Manchester Museum South Asia Gallery (SAG) 

With the museum’s mission to build better understanding between cultures and a more sustainable world, the new South Asia Gallery opened in February 2023. A British Museum partnership, it is the first permanent gallery in the UK to celebrate the lived experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora. Designed and built with a spirit of collaboration and co-production, with a unique Collective of educators, community leaders, artists, historians, journalists, scientists, musicians, students, and others from the South Asian diaspora, it is a place for emotional connections and new perspectives, where lived experiences and collections come together. 

The gallery presents a compelling, contemporary take on South Asian and British Asian culture, offering much-needed space for people to express themselves and connect to their heritage.

Manchester Museum South Asia Gallery: Image by Gareth Gardner 2023

The South Asian Heritage Trust seeks to elevate the prominence of British South Asian history and heritage in the UK through education, arts, culture, celebration and commemoration. Their mission is to deepen people’s understanding of the rich and diverse contributions of South Asian communities to British society, promote intercultural dialogue, and foster greater social cohesion among communities. The Trust aims to foster a deeper and more inclusive understanding of British history and heritage, promote social harmony and cohesion, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society for all. https://southasianheritage.org.uk/about-the-trust/ 

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) was launched at Manchester Museum in 2019, where the Manchester Museum and South Asia Heritage Trust partnership developed a series of activities to take place across the summer of 2020. The month runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year where it seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities. Focussed events showcase the rich and proud South Asian heritage that has blended into the British way of life, contributing to the diversity of our nation. Observing South Asian Heritage Month provides us with excellent opportunities to embrace and celebrate the history and identity of British South Asians.  

What’s the significance of the dates? 

The month begins on 18th July, the date that the Indian Independence Act 1947 gained royal assent from King George VI, and ends on the 17th August, the date that the Radcliffe Line was published in 1947, which finally set out where the border between India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be. 

The start and end dates show just how much of an influence Britain has had on South Asia as a whole over the last few centuries. This period also includes several independence days connected to South Asian countries. 

What countries make up South Asia? 

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Each of those countries has been hugely impacted by its relationship with Britain, primarily through war, colonisation, and ultimately via the British Empire. People of South Asian heritage are a significant part of the British population, with about 1 in every 14 people in the country being of South Asian heritage. 

SAHM encourages everyone to organise their own events for South Asian Heritage Month. Each year an online calendar lists events across the UK submitted to SAHM, bringing together partners to celebrate, commemorate and educate about South Asian culture and histories. 

You can find out more about the diverse communities and their links to the UK and South Asia by visiting the South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum, which reflects the myriad and nuanced experiences and contributions of South Asian communities from marginalised communities to inspiring female leaders and vibrant sounds, dance, music, and cultures. https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/visit-us/galleries/ 

South Asia Gallery visitor feedback (2023):

South Asia Gallery Collective member feedback (2023):

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