Romita Ray Joins Elite Society of Antiquaries of London Fellowship

Romita Ray, an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in art history at Syracuse University, has been elected to the prestigious Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This esteemed organization, founded in 1707, recognizes scholars who have made significant contributions to the study of history through material culture.

Election to the Society of Antiquaries is regarded as a pinnacle achievement in the field of antiquarian scholarship. Ray now joins a distinguished group of archaeologists, art historians, and cultural heritage scholars whose research enhances our understanding of history worldwide. Her election highlights her exceptional work on the art and architecture of the British Empire in India, where she has explored the complex interactions between British aesthetic traditions and Indian visual culture during the colonial era.

Significance of the Fellowship

“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, for more than three centuries,” Ray stated. “The fellowship is a reminder that the humanities and arts have long been vital to all knowledge creation.”

Ray’s research has not only shaped the discourse on the British Raj but also fostered cross-cultural dialogue. Her recent initiatives reflect her commitment to scholarly excellence and community engagement. She served as the principal investigator for “Take Me to the Palace of Love,” an exhibition funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which featured the work of contemporary Indian American artist Rina Banerjee at the Syracuse University Art Museum. The project earned Ray and her team a 2024 Engaging Communities Award from the Museum Association of New York.

Research and Projects

Ray has also directed significant projects, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) initiative titled “Taj of the Raj? Decolonizing the Imperial Collections, Architecture and Gardens of the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata.” This international collaboration examined India’s most visited museum through a critical, decolonial lens, culminating in a symposium at Yale University. Ray partnered with Tim Barringer, Paul Mellon Professor of the History of Art at Yale, to bring together a global network of scholars for this event.

Her primary research focus includes the role of tea in India, where she has conducted extensive studies on plantations across India and Sri Lanka. Ray is currently finalizing a book manuscript titled “Leafy Wonder: Art, Science and the Landscapes of Tea in India,” supported by various prestigious institutions, including the NEH and the Yale Center for British Art. This research has enabled her to collaborate with historians, curators, and experts in the tea industry, enhancing the understanding of this culturally significant beverage.

Ray’s influence extends beyond her research. She recently became a member of the advisory council at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, which has played a crucial role in her career development since 1996. She also contributes to the Advisory Committee of the Plant Humanities Initiative at Dumbarton Oaks, Harvard University’s research center in Washington, D.C. In the summer of 2025, she taught a module on tea for the Plant Humanities Summer Program, where students participated in a tea tasting led by Todd B. Rubin, president of The Republic of Tea.

Ray’s election to the Society of Antiquaries of London not only recognizes her outstanding contributions to art history but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding cultural heritage. Her work continues to inspire future scholars and enrich the global discourse on art and history.