The Indian Army at the Palace – Context of Empire

In the early 20th century soldiers from the Indian Army camped at Hampton Court Palace on a number of occasions for coronations and peace celebrations. But behind all the pomp and ceremony was a much darker side. 

In this episode, Exhibition Lead Zakira Begum and Community Curators Rav Singh and Dr Tej Pal Singh Ralmill cover the background and context of the British Empire and the Indian Army, unpicking how the two are connected through the rise of the East India Company, to the birth of the British Raj in India.  

This is the first of two episodes where we’re celebrating the opening of our new exhibition at Hampton Court Palace called The Indian Army at the Palace. For tickets go to: www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/the-indian-army-at-the-palace  

Please be aware that this episode contains themes of scientific race theories.