In Britain’s Classrooms, Colonial History is Still Written By The Victors

Words by Dr. Kulvinder Nagre

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This is a rare vintage poster for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's 1994 concert at London's most iconic venue, the Royal Albert Hall. The audience was slowly drawn in, first through the plush harmonium, beautifully played by Khan's brother, and then constant murmur of tabla and the hand claps of the group's chorus. The night started out with one of Khan's signature songs: "Allahoo" [God Is], which is a 'hamd,' or praise song, and the traditional way of opening a qawwali performance. He ended the concert with the iconic song, "Mast Qalandar." Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was just 48 when he died in August 1997. His music could never be constrained by borders, or stashed away in a drawer. His death sparked a global state of mourning. (Available now as print)

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Recommended Reads:

How British Colonizers used Photography to Justify the Occupation of India

Why Are South Asians In A Health Crisis? It May Start With Colonialism

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In Britain’s Classrooms, Colonial History is Still Written By The Victors

You know that old saying, ‘history is written by the victors’? I’ve long been fascinated by just how deep their authorship runs. How many decades – centuries, even – after victory, does their version of history continue to be taught, circulated, and believed? How long after being thoroughly debunked do these stories get repeated, reprinted, and reinforced—insisting on the victors’ greatness, their benevolence, and their right to frame the past?

These questions led me to pursue a PhD in critical heritage studies, which I completed a few years ago. My research focused on how British imperialism continues to shape the way world history is discussed in the UK, and how those discussions take form. I conducted surveys and interviews with members of the public and academics, and analyzed a wide range of material – from academic research and historical films and TV shows to the content of the secondary school history curriculum.

But it was the textbooks themselves that struck me the most.