On Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, ACAHUCH presents a captivating lecture titled “State Space and Lived Lives in the Colonial Margins.” Delving into Tania Sengupta’s groundbreaking research as featured in her publication “Colonial Margins: Provincial Governance and Spatial Cultures in SE India,” attendees will embark on a journey through the intricate landscapes of colonial Bengal, particularly focusing on the nineteenth century.
Contrary to popular perception, colonial state space was not solely defined by grand urban schemes or iconic buildings. Rather, it permeated through margins, capillaries, and seemingly ordinary structures, shaping the lived experiences of both rulers and subjects. Dr. Sengupta’s lecture sheds light on the spatial cultures surrounding provincial governance, unraveling the complex interplay between British colonial rule and the indigenous populace.
The lecture zooms in on the headquarter towns of revenue districts, known as “zilla sadar,” which served as vital hubs of British colonial governance in the agricultural hinterlands. These towns offer crucial insights into the spatial, juridical, and cultural construction of colonial margins and provinciality. Additionally, Dr. Sengupta explores the intricate dynamics within the precincts of the revenue offices, known as “cutcherry,” revealing how these spaces evolved in response to colonial governance and bureaucratic practices.
Furthermore, Dr. Sengupta’s research highlights the profound impact of colonial infrastructure on the lives and territorial relationships of Bengal’s inhabitants. By examining the mutual formations of “zilla sadar” and “cutcherry,” the lecture challenges established notions of rural-urban relationships and colonial distance, offering a nuanced understanding of colonial spatial history.
Attendees can expect a thought-provoking discussion that transcends conventional narratives, delving into themes of preservation, heritage, and cultural documentation. Dr. Sengupta’s expertise in architectural history and her unique perspective as a postcolonial scholar promise to make this lecture a truly enlightening experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the intricate tapestry of Bengal’s colonial past and gain fresh insights into the spatial dynamics of governance in Southeast India.
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