Welcome to Themes


  Plants are central to South Asian culture and life. Here we look at the use of plants in South Asia and Britian, from the Mughal Empire to modern day. Plants are vital to everyday life, from what we eat and how we feel, to what we look like and how we celebrate. Find out about plants that are sacred in religion, and those that provide a livelihood for many.
Full list of themes:
Arts Life events
Crafts Medicine
Empires Places
Food Sacred & spiritual
Gardens Trade
  Photograph of the Himalaya mountains Botanical illustration of a marigold flower Painting of the Taj Mahal, 17th century Painting of a man on a horse during battle
 
Places >
Find out about the different regions of South Asia, from the great cities and rivers to deserts, mountains and forests.
Arts >
In these pages we look at the place of plants in art. This includes botanical illustrations, Mughal minatures and architecture.
Gardens >
Gardens have a long history in South Asia. Today botanical gardens are at the forefront of plant conservation.
Empires >
Today Asians make up 8% of London's population. Find out about the history of South Asia from its origins to modern day.