A captivating new exhibition in New Delhi brings to light an extraordinary collection of early photographs that showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. These images, taken in the 1850s and 1860s, reflect a pioneering era when innovative photographic technology first emerged in the subcontinent.
Notably, British India became the first region outside of Europe to establish professional photography studios, with many early photographers gaining international acclaim for their work. This period, which began with the introduction of photography in 1839, fostered a vibrant artistic landscape that blended traditional pictorial styles with new techniques. The exhibition demonstrates how these photographers influenced the artistic tastes of audiences, ranging from scholars to tourists.
While many prominent British photographers documented India from a colonial viewpoint, their Indian contemporaries brought to light alternative narratives and interactions. The exhibition, titled “Histories in the Making,” curates noteworthy images that emphasize photography’s vital role in shaping India’s historical understanding. These works also contributed to the evolution of various academic fields, including archaeology and political science.
Ashish Anand, a spokesperson for the organizing firm, remarked, “These images capture a pivotal moment in history when the British Empire was consolidating its power in India. The documentation of the subcontinent’s monuments served both as a tool for asserting control and as a method to showcase the empire’s achievements.”
The exhibition features works by notable photographers like William Henry Pigou, who captured iconic sites such as temples and forts, and Linnaeus Tripe, who took early photographs of South Indian architecture. These images document not just the physical structures, but also the narrative of a time that shaped the subcontinent’s identity and cultural landscape.
As visitors explore this unique exhibition, they will encounter the profound impact these early photographers had on India’s history and heritage, capturing moments that resonate to this day.
