The Jewel in the Crown
The Jewel in the Crown is a 1984 British television miniseries based on Paul Scott's The Raj Quartet novels. In India during the final years of British rule in World War II, an unjust arrest for rape sets off questions of identity and personal responsibility being explored against a background of war and personal intrigue. The critically acclaimed drama explores the complex relationships between the British colonizers and the Indian population, focusing on themes of cultural clash, racial tension, and the decline of the empire.
Overview
The Jewel in the Crown is a 1984 British television miniseries based on Paul Scott's The Raj Quartet novels. In India during the final years of British rule in World War II, an unjust arrest for rape sets off questions of identity and personal responsibility being explored against a background of war and personal intrigue. The critically acclaimed drama explores the complex relationships between the British colonizers and the Indian population, focusing on themes of cultural clash, racial tension, and the decline of the empire.
Denis Forman
Creator / EP
Christopher Morahan
Producer
Episodes
1. Crossing the River
The story begins in 1942. The Japanese are threatening to invade and Gandhi is calling on the British to quit India. In Mayapore Hari Kumar comes under suspicion of subversion by Merrick, the District Superintendent of Police. This turns to hatred when Hari begins a relationship with Daphne Manners, the object of Merrick's affections. It is the start of a chain of events binding English and Indians in a web of love, tragedy and death.
2. The Bibighar Gardens
It is now August 1942. In Mayapore, Daphne and Hari draw closer together despite warnings from Ronald Merrick. Daphne and Hari quarrel and the divide between them is seemingly unbridgeable. On a night of rioting and protest Daphne has not returned home. Merrick searches for her with more than official zeal. Meanwhile Daphne finds herself drawn toward the darkness of the Bibighar Gardens and its ghosts.
3. Questions of Loyalty
Hari, still keeping his promise of silence, remains in prison. Daphne has been prevented from seeing him. Regardless of the scandal and the risks, Daphne is determined to give birth to the child she believes is Hari's. On the lakes of Kashmir the sound of a baby crying arouses the curiosity of Sarah Layton-a daughter of the regiment. And in the princely state of Mirat, Teddy Bingham is asked by an ex-policeman to keep a secret.
Cast & Crew
Tim Pigott-Smith
Ronald Merrick
