[Reader-list] madan theater in archives

[Ritika]

Hello everybody, off late i have started going to the delhi State 
archives located at 18A Satsang Vihar Marg, Special institutional Area - 
near Qutub Institutional area.

While going through the material on slaughterhouse etc, i was also 
looking out for more stuff on cinema, film, exhibition etc.

I found interesting bit of information in the Chief Commissioner's 
Proceedings of 1916. What struck me was a) name madan theatre: as one of 
the independent fellows of sarai this year worked on Madan theatre
b) the way the supremacy of colonial rule was being subtely reinstated 
through film exhibition.


It says...


In a letter written (from) the Hon'able Mr. Wheeler, CSI., CIE - 
Sectretary to the Government of India (to) The political Secretary to 
the Government of Bombay (and) Chief Secretary to the Government of 
bengal, Wheeler writes that the government is interested to disseminate 
information regarding the war by the exhibition of cinematogarph films. 
In particular mention has been made of a film entitled "Britain 
Prepared" which is being shown at the Empire Theatre, London and 
comprises pictures illustrating a) training of new army b) making of 
munitions (dont know what it means though..perhaps a mispelt word) and 
c) navy in war time.

Wheeler was wondering whether local governemnts could take the matter to 
the notice of those interested in the trade who would likely to push the 
circulation of  such films, and the one mentioned in particular, in 
India. In this connection the name of Messrs. Madan of calcutta has been 
given as that of an enterprising firm. Where such films are shown 
official patronage might well be extended to them and as much prominence 
as possible given to their existence.

"...special facilities be given to pupils of Government institutions to 
attend these exhibitions and that encouragement be given to the 
development of visual instruction in schools and colleges under 
Government control."


cheers
ritika


-- 
Ritika Shrimali
The Sarai Programme

http://blog.sarai.net/users/ritika