Last weeks to see East of India ”“ Forgotten trade with Australia

 

 

Must close 18 August 2013  
Australian National Maritime Museum

Time is running out for Sydneysiders to see the National Maritime Museum’s critically acclaimed exhibition  East of India ”“ Forgotten trade with Australia.  The exhibition, which has fascinated thousands of visitors since it opened, must close on 18 August.

The early Australian colonies, at the ”˜ends of the earth’ from Europe, turned to nearby Asia for survival and growth.  East of India ”“ Forgotten trade with Australia  tracks our colonial links with India, the power and monopoly of the English East India Company, and its decline. It’s a tale of ships and shipwrecks, rice and rum, officers and officials, sailors, soldiers and servants ”“ taking us from the old allure of Asia to modern-day ties between India and Australia.

In  East of India, visitors encounter the bright, bold colours of a bustling Indian market place,   silk saris and luxurious chintz textiles, images of rajahs on elephants and sculptures of gods.

Over 300 objects including coins, artwork, sculpture, maps, weaponry, ceramics, textiles and clothing have come from more than 15 lending institutions. One especially beautiful object is the bejewelled sword of the Indian ruler Mysore Tipu Sultan, killed by East India Company forces at the battle of Seringapatam in 1799.

Sugar, rice, shoes, cloth, candles, cattle and other essentials were imported from India to New South Wales, Britain’s struggling first colony in the southern hemisphere. Museum-goers can examine rarely seen artefacts from the ship  Sydney Cove  wrecked en route to Port Jackson with a cargo of Indian goods in 1797, and Indian currency including gold used by merchants who exported seal oil, timber, coal and horses from the fledgling colony.

East of India ”“ Forgotten trade with Australia  will be on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum from 1 June to 18 August 2013.  East of India  Exhibition & Galleries ticket, which also includes entry to  Ansel Adams ”“ Photography from the mountains to the see, is: Adult $15, Child & Concession $10. Admission is also included with the Museum’s Big Ticket (Galleries & Exhibitions + Vessels + Kids on Deck): Adult $25, Child $15, Concession $10, Family $65.

The Australian National Maritime Museum, in Darling Harbour, is open from 9.30am to 5pm daily. All enquiries (02) 9298 3777 or visit  www.anmm.gov.au.

 

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