Rare collection of documents and photographs on display at Odisha State Archives in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 30: Anecdotes and incidents that have led to a strong bonding between India and Britain have been showcased in form of photographs and documents at an exhibition organised by National Archives of India and Odisha State Archives. The exhibition, titled Beyond the Frame: India in Britain 1858-1950, at the state archives gives an overview of Indians in Britain during this period.

Sophia Duleep Singh, daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, is seen in a rare picture raising her voice for women’s rights. She had denied paying taxes until women were given the right to vote. A pioneer in women’s cause, this picture illustrates her leadership as well as the participation of Indians in British political and social life.

Many pictures and documents of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India and the first Asian to be a member of the British House of Commons, throw light on the achievements of Indians in Britain. A segment dedicated to Odisha in the exhibition features stalwarts such as Madhusudan Das who was the first from the state to go abroad. The leader’s columns in the Odia dailies reflect his experiences in London.

An account of the life of another freedom fighter from Odisha, Bansidhar Mishra, who lived in London using the alias Surat Ali from mid-1930s to 1951, gives insight into tales few know of.

Despite being deaf and dumb, Bipin Behary Choudhary, an Odia living in London, the grandson of the legendary litterateur Fakir Mohan Senapati, had done exceptionally well in his college where he studied fine arts.

“The exhibited images and documents showcase the association of Indians with the British and also the impact of Indian culture on the social life of London, specially when it came to food, attires and architecture. Many Odias are also part of this visit down the memory lane,” said Lalatendu Das Mohapatra, assistant director, National Archives of India, Bhubaneswar chapter.

Among other rare documents displayed at the exhibition are an 1873 photograph of filigree craftsmen from Cuttack, a painting of rath yatra in Puri and photographs of people in Bhubaneswar in early 1900s most of which were a part of research works carried out by British officials of that time deputed to Odisha, including the famous John Beames.

Memoirs of Indian soldiers who fought in the World Wars, Gandhi’s student life, Queen Victoria with her Indian confidant Abdul Karim and many more also form a part of the exhibition. Visitors found the event informative as well as interesting.

“I was delighted to read how in the mid 1800s Indians had opened stores for tea, spice and even fabric in London. Very interesting anecdotes of this period have been showcased in this exhibition,” said Pratap Sahoo, a student.