In the 1950s India was facing a barrage of daunting problems - socio-religious, economic, employment etc., because the British in 1947 left India for good with almost empty treasury, a divided nation and emaciated people. In the 1950s and later period Indian govt was busy mending a host of problems left behind by the Raj and was not focussing on the removal of imprints of British colonialism though there were some protests here there to remove the British statues. No doubt the british who looted India to the tune of $ 41 trillion (according to latest estimate) over more than 250 years had left behind a deep scar in the mind of the natives, In the past couple of decades the political and social scenarios have changed but the scars remain intact.So far no apology from either the royal family or from the British government. To the British atonement is an anathema. Since 1990s India has been paying scant attention to the imperial iconography.
Disposing of British imperial statuary from public places of India gained currency long ago and the state governments took decision on their own. For example several years ago Communist dominated West Bengal Government removed innumerable statues of British officers because they got a bad rap.
However, the remnants of British heritage and legacy are widespread across the country. With some exceptions many statues of British officials across India are off the plinth /pedestal and languishing in the museum. Some of them were racists and their actions were questionable and against the welfare of the natives.
The statues of Queen Victoria, the Empress of India (who never visited this country and personally shared the pains and sufferings of the people under the Raj's unjust rule) met with similar fate and many are removed and placed in the state museums to avoid vandalism and damages.
It took awhile for me to get the images of Queen Victoria's statue installed in Allahabad city close to civil lines or Cannington.
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| Queen Victoria, original location Allahabadvictorianweb.org/ |
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| Queen Victoria, original location Allahabad victorianweb.org |
Above images: White marble statue of Queen Victoria erected in Alfred Park of Allahabad, United provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). It was specially made by sculptor George Edward Wade (1853-1933). Largely self-taught as an artist Wade was a reputed sculptor best remembered for his statues of royalty and politicians.
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| Victoria memorial, Allahabad,wikimedia.org |
Above image: The Alfred park is named after the great freedom fighter Chandrasekhar Azad. The memorial is without the Queen's statue. The standing marble statue - a fine piece was shifted to the state Museum, Lucknow city, UP to avoid damages..........
Alfred park was built in 1870 and it took 8 years to complete it. It was more of a leisure park meant for the British community that had moved into the White Town called Cannington or Civil lines. It was designed to give pleasure and entertainment to the cultured English folks like lords and dukes, and other aristocrats who could use the park for an evening stroll in a serene ambiance. The new township came up here after torturing, killing and driving out defiant villagers from 7 villages in 1858 after the English put down the 1857 massive revolt. Named after the second son of Queen Victoria Prince Alfred (Duke of Edinburgh) to mark his visit to Allahabad in 1869 it is a symbol of British imperialism as a evolving global power; the park covers 133 acres of greenery. India came under the direct control of the Crown Administration from the English company and Queen Victoria's proclamation -1858 was read out by Viceroy Charles Canning who took residency in Allahabad.
The installation of Big statues of Queen Victoria and King Edward II augmented the majesty of this huge stylish park. George Wade made two statues of Queen Victoria and the one meant for Allahabad was actually installed in Columbo in 1897 and the other one was erected here n Alfred park.
Mary Ann. Statues of the Raj. Putney, London: BACSA [British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia], 2000.
http://www.navrangindia.in/2017/11/the-statue-of-queen-victoria-lucknow.html
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