Kolkata: Bengal’s rivers and water bodies are under siege. The water hyacinth, a plant native to Colombia, has become one of the most invasive species in the region, clogging nearly every waterway and accelerating the decline of rivers. While this invasive plant wreaks havoc on local ecosystems, other species from faraway lands, such as the cannonball flower from the Couroupita guianensis tree, have been embraced, finding spiritual significance in India.Associated with Lord Shiva, this South American tree, though a recent introduction, now thrives in the gardens of Shiva temples across the country.
In contrast, India’s own mango, Mangifera indica, has become a global sensation, spreading its roots across the world and gaining universal appeal.
These stories of plant migration—how seeds travel across continents and influence environments, economies, and cultures—form the core of a unique exhibition titled “Travelling Plants Kolkata”, inaugurated on Friday at the Indian Museum. The exhibition, organized by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with the Indian Museum and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), explores the historical, economic, and cultural significance of plant migration.
“Although plants are often rooted in one place, their seeds travel far and wide, carried by wind, water, animals, and humans. This journey of plants holds immense historical, economic, and cultural value,” said Katherina Gorgen, director, Goethe-Institut, Chennai, during her guided tour of the exhibition. “Against the backdrop of accelerated climate change, the exhibition is even more relevant. Plants have shaped our environment and enriched human life, reminding us of the continuous exchange between nature and human innovation,” said Astrid Wege, director, Goethe Institut, Kolkata.
A D Choudhury, director, Indian Museum, said, “The Indian Museum, being a multi-purpose institution, is always proud of its botanical exhibits. This exhibition is a perfect blend of our natural and cultural heritage, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the interconnectedness of plant life and human history.”
A significant highlight of the exhibition is the rare botanical artwork on display, provided by the BSI, For the first time, some of the 2,542 botanical paintings from BSI’s archive, dating back to the Mughal era, have been made available to the public. These paintings, known as “Company Paintings,” were created by Indian artists commissioned by colonial botanists. “We’ve showcased 15 paintings from this collection, all of which depict trading plants that played a crucial role in transboundary exchanges during the colonial period,” said Manas Bhowmik, director of the Industrial Section at BSI. The exhibition also includes 30 post-Independence paintings by Government Art College students.
The exhibition’s sections include 19th and 20th-century correspondences between Indian and European scientists about plant trade, as well as select company paintings.
Adding a historical twist to the exhibition is its connection to Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish surgeon, and botanist who served as both the superintendent and the first curator of the Indian Museum, said Sayan Bhattacharya, deputy director, Indian Museum.
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