Dr Manaswini Sen, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at SRM University – AP, Amaravati in her chapter titled “The ‘Unholy’ Trinity: Syndicate of the Colonial State, Capitalists, and the Police; Repression and Corporate Policing of Working-Class Movement in Late-Colonial Bengal (1930–1947)”, published in Exploring Power and Authority in Indian History Across the Ages (Springer), investigates how the colonial state, capitalist interests, and the police referred to as the “unholy trinity”collaborated to repress working-class movements in late-colonial Calcutta between 1930 and 1947.

The study examines the complex interests of the capitalist class and the British imperial state in late colonial India, focusing on their collective oppression towards labor radicalisation. It examines the legal measures taken by the British imperial state to monitor working-class militarisation and the strategies employed by capitalists to disrupt strikes and deny workers’ claims.

The chapter also discusses the establishment of white or pro-state unions that used communalism to disrupt strikes and hinder revolutionary union movements in late colonial Calcutta. The chapter provides new perspectives on competition-collaboration theories, discusses the role of Indian capitalists, and explores the question of communalism in trade union politics in late colonial Bengal. It is relevant for those working in labour history, mass movement history, late colonial Calcutta, and urban history.

About the book :

Exploring Power and Authority in Indian History Across the Ages offers a nuanced exploration of power and authority in Indian history through a series of case studies spanning different regions and time periods. It examines the sociological, cultural, economic, and historical dimensions of power, critiques dominant ideologies, and highlights responses from marginalised groups. Providing insights into diverse political structures from ancient to modern times, this volume is a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and researchers of Indian and South Asian history.

The Department of History, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, hosted Prof. Satish C. Pandey, Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor & Head—Department of Art Conservation, Indian Institute of Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Vice Chair—Directory Board, International Council of Museums—Conservation Committee (ICOM-CC), ICOM, Paris, France, for an insightful lecture on tracing technologies in art and archaeology on April 03, 2025.

In his session, Prof. Pandey shared his expertise in art conservation and archaeological science, offering valuable insights into the study of provenance and technology. He discussed the Site of Kunal from the Harappan Period and the intricate analysis of ancient pottery. His research highlighted the natural techniques used in pottery-making, where shape, colour, and firing methods were influenced by organic materials. Elements such as manganese (black), iron (red), and lime (pure white) were used to create distinct hues, while the lightweight nature of the pots was a result of their composition.

In addition to pottery, Prof. Pandey delved into the conservation of historical paintings. His research has uncovered instances of forgery and modification in artworks intended for public display. By utilising infrared analysis, he demonstrated how changes in oil paints, cracking patterns, and colour modifications over time help researchers restore and authenticate original paintings.

His visit provided an enriching experience, deepening our understanding of conservation science and its role in preserving cultural heritage.