Great Exhibition 1851
Also called: Crystal Palace · Topic: The Age of Industrialisation · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Great Exhibition was a huge world fair held in London in 1851. It took place in the Crystal Palace, a giant hall made of glass and iron, built in Hyde Park. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, was one of its main organisers. It showed off British machines and industrial goods as proof that Britain led the world in industry. Goods from other countries and colonies, including India, were shown too, often to display the riches of the empire.
Example
In 1851, the Indian section showed handmade textiles, carvings and jewellery, along with the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. India appeared as a source of fine crafts and raw materials. Britain presented itself as the land of machines and factories.
Don't confuse with
- "Dawn of the Century" (1900): this was E.T. Paull's music-book cover, an image praising industrial progress. It was a picture, not an exhibition.