Plant Cultures
The central aim of Plant Cultures is to convey the richness and complexity of links between Britain and South Asia, through the story of plants and people. It is aimed at anyone interested in understanding the world around them.
Why South Asia
Britain and the Indian subcontinent have had an immense impact on each other, from the early traders and travelers of the 17th century, to the East India Company and British Empire, and then to independence and population movements in the 20th century. Much of this story is intimately bound up with plants, whether as trade commodities, food, or as subjects for artistic and religious expression.
It’s relationship that continues to be important today. British Asian communities form over 4% of the population of England and Wales, and over 25% of the population of cities such as Leicester. Asian food, medicine, religion, music and film have all had a big impact between Europe and Asia is rising up the political agenda. Everybody benefits from understanding more about these changes.
What does the website do?
The Plant Cultures project covers both the historical and contemporary aspects of Britain and South Asia. Some topics will be familiar – the British Empire, Asian cooking and mehndi (henna painting). Some will be less familiar to many – the ancient traditions of South Asian art and medicine, or the role of sacred plants such as holy basil.
The plant Cultures website brings together a wide range of resources: historic images from museums and libraries, well researched information, contributions from members of the public, and carefully chosen links to other web resources.
The website is supported by an extensive outreach programme, in Bradford, Leicester, Liverpool and London, and by garden trails and activities in a wide range of locations.
Funding
Plant Cultures is funded by Culture Online, a Deparment of Culture, Media and Sports initiatives that aims to enable more people, both school children and adults, to engage in culture in a variety of new ways.
What next?
The website launched in its full
Form in February 2005
To Keep up-to date with development in Plant Cultures, you can sign up and get free news letter.
