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Megan Cook BA (Hons.), MA, PhD in progress

Miss Megan Cook

(she/her)

BA (Hons.), MA, PhD in progress

cymraeg
Welsh speaking

Teams and roles for Megan Cook

Overview

My interest in Indian history typically stems from my undergraduate degree where I was introduced to topics that covered race, empire, health and women's agency. Currently, my research investigates Welsh female missionaries and their perceptions of empire. By examining Welsh women who travelled to India as missionaries in the twentieth century, my thesis explores how these women navigated both colonial and gendered expectations, analysing the ways in which they expressed Welsh national identity while exercising agency within imperial structures. In terms of cosmopolitanism, I am engaged in studying the effects of globalisation and how Welsh women perceived the rapidly changing world of the nineteenth century.

 

Research

With previous works, I have aimed to uncover the voices of Indian women in the colonial era, whose experiences have often been marginalised in historical narratives. By delving into gender and postcolonial history, I have explored the oppression of Indian women and the struggles that they endured. My BA dissertation unravelled the unheard voices of Indian women on the child marriage act and how their oppression led and inspired many to become activists, transforming their lives. Similarly, my MA dissertation investigated the effects of the Hindu practice 'Sati' on Indian women, shedding light on the controversy surrounding it through the lens of the East India Company's policing and surveillance schemes. Through this lens, I was able to contribute to the growing historiography surrounding women and history, offering a more nuanced understanding of colonial India. 

I have recently published a blog on the 'Indian Heritage Centre' entitled 'Indian Independence Day Celebration' at the Indian Heritage Centre in Cardiff. I touched on the key talks that took place at the event, including a visual feminist artist that shares the stories that paintings can tell. Additionally, I am in the process of publishing an article that explores the influence of Welsh mission work in the Khasi Hills. This article looks at the significant transformation within Khasi society, transforming from a matriarchal state to a patriarchal state. I address notions of Welshness that are visible to this day. 

In the current stage of my PhD, I have conducted research trips to The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth where I have examined a range of Welsh women that ventured to India. Examples of primary sources that I have delved into are memoirs, missioanry reports, letters, photographs and items collected by these Welsh women. 

 

 

 



Teaching

  • The Making of the Modern World Seminar tutor (October 2025-January 2026)

Biography

I hold a BA and MA in History from Cardiff University. Following this, I completed a PGCE in History and now work as a part-time English teacher alongside my part-time PhD.

Academic positions

  • Graduate Tutor (September 2025-January 2026)

Contact Details

Email [email protected]

Campuses John Percival Building, Room Room 2.64, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU

Research themes

Specialisms

  • History of empires, imperialism and colonialism
  • Women & Gender Studies