The Polish Institute in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Nil Desperandum Foundation and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, presented the exhibition IndiaHaven: Poles in India During World War II. This remarkable exhibition commemorates the generous assistance provided to Polish refugees, particularly children, by several Maharajas during World War II. The exhibition will open on November 20, 2024, at the National School of Drama.
A Shared Chapter of History
IndiaHaven sheds light on a lesser-known yet extraordinary chapter in Polish-Indian history. It highlights the compassion and generosity of the “Good Maharajas” of Nawanagar and Kolhapur, along with local communities, who offered refuge to Polish nationals fleeing the horrors of World War II.
Through a collection of archival photographs and narratives, the exhibition reveals how these acts of kindness transcended cultural, religious, and social boundaries, providing Polish refugees with a second home. This poignant display reminds us that, despite geographical distance, the histories of India and Poland intersect in meaningful and enduring ways.
Apeksha Niranjan, a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer and granddaughter of Wanda Nowicka – one of the Maharaja’s children
Entangled Through Art and History: When Poland Meets India
A key highlight of the event will be a special performance by Apeksha Niranjan, a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer and granddaughter of Wanda Nowicka—one of the “Maharaja’s children.” Her performance, When Poland Meets India, will blend the elegance of Bharatnatyam with traditional Polish folk music, narrating the story of the “Good Maharaja” and celebrating the universal, transcultural language of art.
The exhibition and performance are part of a series of events marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and India, underscoring the deep friendship and shared history between the two nations.
A Historic Bond Honored
Sebastian Domżalski, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in India, remarked, “Earlier this year, the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Poland was a historic moment in our partnership, during which we elevated our relations to a strategic level. In Warsaw, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Jamsaheb of Nawanagar and laid a wreath at The Dobry Maharaja Memorial. The Prime Minister’s visit to the memorial highlighted a special historical connection between India and Poland that continues to be cherished by the people of the two countries.”
