Three Million 6. Silk Scarves
Jun 12, 2024
Discover the lingering shadows of the Bengal famine, as a granddaughter unearths her grandfather's colonial ties and grapples with inherited shame. Hear a 97-year-old reveal his surprising role in the tragedy and explore how three generations of British Bengalis commemorate this dark chapter through art and memory. Personal stories intertwine with complex family histories, revealing the profound effects of colonialism on contemporary identities and the ongoing journey of understanding and healing.
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Granddaughter Feels Shame
- Susanna, granddaughter of John Herbert, governor of Bengal during famine, initially felt shame about her grandfather's legacy.
- She had never known much about him or his role until later researching sparked deep emotions and questions.
Colonial Hierarchy Role
- John Herbert was the chief colonial official during the Bengal famine, directly linked to its tragic outcomes.
- He operated within a wider hierarchical colonial system spanning Bengal, Delhi, and London.
Old Files Reveal Lost Grain Ships
- Peter, a 97-year-old British man, discovered in old ministry files that crucial grain shipments to famine-hit India were sunk by Japanese submarines.
- He was unaware of the famine then and only realized years later the significance of his wartime office work.