A NEWLY opened exhibition in the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin tells the story of Limerick’s link to the East India Company.
‘Looking East – Ireland and India’ tells the story of Ireland’s links to India over three centuries.
Included in the exhibition is the story of Sir Eyre Coote, who was born in Kilmallock in 1726.
Sir Coote played a pivotal role in the East India Company’s military successes, including key victories at Plassey and Wandiwash, eventually becoming Commander-in-Chief in India.
According to a spokeswoman for EPIC, the Limerick man’s involvement in the East India Company (EIC) highlights the extensive involvement of Irish officers and soldiers in the EIC’s expansion, illustrating the complex connections between Ireland and the British Empire’s imperial ambitions.
Dr Catherine Healy, historian-in-residence at EPIC, said that the exhibition tells the story of how Ireland and India learned from each other’s struggles.
“Looking East explores the multifaceted history of migration between Ireland and India – the migration of both people and ideas,” Dr Healey said.
“Our exhibition not only draws on the growing body of scholarship looking at the Irish contribution to British colonialism in India, but it also traces the ways in which Irish and Indian nationalists supported and took inspiration from each other’s struggles.
“We are glad to be hosting this showcase as part of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.”
Looking East will run at the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum on Custom House Quay in Dublin until November 30.
