Decolonizing The Indian Police

Words by Aayush Upadhyay

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This oil painting was done by Edwin Lord Weeks in the 1880s. He undertook his first voyage to India in 1885, where he proved to be a dedicated observer of Indian culture and architecture. The painting showcases a pair of nautch girls, who were traditional Indian dancers and entertainers. Its known for its use of warm golds, vibrant reds, and shimmering silvers. (Available now)

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Recommended Reads:

Shikar in British India: An Elaborate Colonial System

Reena Virk: Beyond the Headlines

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Decolonizing The Indian Police

J. Bennix was working in his mobile accessories shop in Tamil Nadu on June 19, 2020, when he got news that his father P. Jayaraj had been arrested by the police for violating lockdown rules. He rushed to the police station, where he was allegedly assaulted and also taken into custody. They were subjected to hours of torture and cruelty over the next few days, and a few days later died due to internal bleeding and bodily damage. This led to national outrage and comparisons with the murder of George Floyd, with widespread protests across the country and on social media. This devastating tale brings up the question...how did we get here? How could police officers beat up and kill the people they are supposed to protect?