Looking Through the White Man’s Lens: The Raj’s Photos of Indians

The British extensively photographed Indians, as part of colonial anthropology.

Here is a ragtag of photographic illustrations of the races and tribes of Hindoostan from the 19th century, released recently by the New York Public Library (NYPL).

The people of India are denoted with descriptive letter press — where some are described as robbers, others have been labeled wandering minstrels. Originally prepared under the authority of the (then) government of India, it was commissioned under the patronage of Governor General Lord Canning as his wife wanted a photo album to carry home to England.

Published by India Museum in eight series from 1868-1875, it shows us Indians during the time. This type of extensive documentation was done as an exercise in anthropology, as well as to keep a record of colonial subjects. But looking back they also reveal the deep prejudices that these subjects came to be associated with.

Jogis or Snake Charmers, “Hindoos of Low Caste”

The Kalbelias or snake charmers were called an ubiquitous part of the Indian scene. they were referred to as householders who kept their families with them wherever they went.

Goorungs or the Military Tribe

The Goorungs were thought to be a fighting caste by the British. However, they were said to be “inferior to Thakoors and Khus”.

Rengma Nagas or the “Marauding Hill Tribe”

The British identified this tribe as one of the main in northeastern India.

Bhats or “Wandering Minstrels”

The Bhats were classified to be the entertainers; the puppeteers roaming about the country.

The Bazar Women of Saharunpoor

The bazar women sold wares at the markets. During festival bazars, when the eunuch bodyguards of the women of the royal families would bargain in their place, these women would ultimately close the transaction after arriving at a suitable price.

Not just this, the publishers certainly categorised their communities well. While Shroffs have been categorised as money lenders, Sodhees have been called the direct descendants of Govind.

The Sodhis were said to be the descendants of Guru Ram Das, and because of their “spiritual status as descendants of a guru”, they went on to acquire large landholdings.

A book by AH Bingley says that as the Aryan colonisers spread, subduing the aboriginal races, a class of people were “relieved from the burden of agricultural labour, through the compulsory employment of the conquered people.”

And so, in this manner grew a class of warriors, who were always ready to battle. These ultimately became Kashatriyas (those connected with power) and Rajputs (those of royal descent).

The Brahmins were “men reading sacred books”, while others listened.

These illustrations reveal a close account of colonial prejudice towards Hindoostanis, don’t they? They also show us how these races and tribes were seen through the eyes of an outsider.

You can find more pictures here.