Miss Megan Cook
(she/her)

BA (Hons.), MA, PhD in progress

Research student

School of History, Archaeology and Religion

: Welsh speaking

My work focusses on uncovering Indian women's voices in the colonial era, whose experiences have often been marginalised in historical narratives. By delving into gender and postcolonial history, my aim has often been to explore the oppression of women and their struggles. My BA dissertation unravelled the unheard voices of Indian women on child marriage and how their oppression inspired many to become activists, transforming their lives. Similarly, my MA dissertation explored the effects that the practice of Sati had 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 am able to contribute to the growing historiography surrounding women and history, offering a more nuanced understanding of colonial India.

My interest in Indian history typically stems from my undergraduate degree where I was introduced to topics covering race, empire, health and women's agency. My current research investigates Welsh female missionaries and their perceptions of empire. 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.

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 finalising my final draft of 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.

I am currently in the first few weeks of my PhD where I am beginning research on Welsh women travellers' perceptions of India: as adventure seekers, hedonists, missionaries and educationists.

Thesis

‘Archwilio’r Dwyrain' (Exploring the East): Welsh women's discovery of the Orient, empire and tourism.

‘Archwilio’r Dwyrain' (Exploring the East): Welsh women's discovery of the Orient, empire and tourism.

The thesis will explore the histories and significance of a range of the experiences of a range of Welsh women that travelled to India during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. This doctoral project will attempt to unravel Welsh women’s stories, perspectives and their experiences in India regarding empire and tourism. Additionally, differences from other European women’s travels to the same destinations will be highlighted. One of the outcomes of the study is pivotal for understanding the debates on contemporary tourism and how it has affected Wales. This will significantly benefit society by shedding light on the effects of tourism and the key motivations of a tourist.