The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the world’s first fair to showcase the vast scientific, cultural, and industrial progress. It was hosted in London and took place in the Crystal Palace, many countries were allocated their own exhibit and space. However, one country got assigned an excessive amount of space for their court. And that country was India.
India’s location within the Crystal Palace was honourable, placed in the southwest corner of the court, meaning that India was facing the beautiful Crystal Fountain.
The way the India exhibit had been set up was strategic, focusing on visual wonders and extravagance. Displayed hanging above were colourful exotic carpets and artifacts that had been meticulously arranged on counters. These foreign objects drew the viewers in, fascinating and inspiring them. Many items on display fueled new ideas for a second industrial revolution, which would have tools that were not only useful but also refined in their design.
There was a rich assortment of shawls, agricultural produce, elephant trappings, and jewels. One of the most fascinating jewels on display was the kohinoor diamond.
The kohinoor is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world and part of the British Crown Jewels. In the exhibit catalog the kohinoor was described as “The Great Diamond of Rujneet Singh” or “Mountain of Light”. The kohinoor also has a mysterious history and known to be worth £1–2 million. It was a pretty big deal and long lines were made to view the diamond. Interestingly enough, visitors were disappointed, and thought the diamond was way too dull.
Despite the let down of the kohinoor, the India court introduced attendees to a new and exciting foreign land with different cultures and innovations, it was a very exciting time!
Sources:
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Great-Exhibition-of-1851/
https://web.duke.edu/isis/crystalpalace/mzl/page3.html
https://www.thoughtco.com/britains-great-exhibition-of-1851-1773797