Art Historian Romita Ray Joins Fellowship of Antiquaries

Romita Ray, an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in art history at the College of Arts and Sciences, has been elected to the Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This esteemed organization, established in 1707, is renowned for its commitment to the study of history through the physical remnants of past civilizations. Ray’s election recognizes her significant contributions to the fields of archaeology, art history, and architectural history.

For over three centuries, the Society of Antiquaries has marked the pinnacle of achievement for scholars devoted to understanding humanity’s material past. Ray joins a distinguished circle of archaeologists, art historians, and cultural heritage scholars, whose research informs our understanding of history worldwide. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am honored and delighted to be elected to a society whose members have been driven by wonder, curiosity, and a desire to better understand the world around them.”

Recognizing Contributions to Colonial Art and Culture

Ray’s scholarship primarily focuses on the art and architecture of the British Empire in India. Her research delves into the interplay between British aesthetic traditions and Indian visual culture during the colonial period. This critical examination sheds light on how artistic practices both shaped and reflected the complex dynamics of empire and identity under the British Raj. Through her work, Ray exemplifies how scholars at Syracuse University facilitate cross-cultural dialogue and bridge various disciplines within global contexts.

Ray’s election to the Fellowship coincides with her leadership in major research projects supported by prominent cultural agencies. Recently, she served as principal investigator for “Take Me to the Palace of Love,” a project funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This exhibition, held at the Syracuse University Art Museum, showcased the work of contemporary Indian American artist Rina Banerjee and garnered an Engaging Communities Award from the Museum Association of New York in 2024.

Prior to this, Ray directed a National Endowment for the Humanities initiative titled “Taj of the Raj? Decolonizing the Imperial Collections, Architecture and Gardens of the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata.” This international collaborative project engaged scholars from the United Kingdom, the United States, and India, examining one of India’s most visited museums through a decolonial lens. The research culminated in a symposium at Yale University, where Ray partnered with Tim Barringer, Paul Mellon Professor of the History of Art at Yale, to convene global academics.

Exploring Tea’s Cultural Significance

Ray’s primary research interest lies in the cultural significance of tea in India. Her extensive investigations include tea plantations in India and Sri Lanka, along with archival research across three continents. Currently, she is completing a book manuscript titled “Leafy Wonder: Art, Science and the Landscapes of Tea in India,” which has received support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Caird Library (Royal Museums Greenwich, London), the Yale Center for British Art, the Huntington Library, and the CUSE Grant Program at Syracuse University. This research has led to collaborations with historians, curators, plant scientists, tea planters, and industry experts across India, Britain, and the United States. Additionally, Ray serves on the editorial board of De Gruyter Brill’s newly instituted “Global Tea Studies” book series.

Adding to her notable profile, Ray has recently joined the advisory council of the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, a London-based educational and research institute that has supported her work throughout her career. Her relationship with the Centre dates back to 1996 when she was awarded a fellowship for her doctoral research, and she received a research grant in 2009. This new role allows her to mentor the next generation of scholars.

Moreover, Ray is active on the Advisory Committee of the Plant Humanities Initiative at Dumbarton Oaks, Harvard University’s esteemed research center in Washington, D.C. There, she taught a module on tea during the Summer 2025 Plant Humanities Summer Program, which featured a tea tasting led by Todd B. Rubin, president of The Republic of Tea.

Ray’s election to the Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London marks a significant milestone in her career and reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing the understanding of art and culture, particularly in relation to colonial histories and their modern implications.