Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1158

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.08 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Indian photograph album, 1909-1914, Ms. Coll. 1158, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1909-1914 (inclusive)

Form:

Photographs and Photograph albums

Abstract:

This photograph album includes 97 photos taken between 1909 and 1914 in India, primarily in the Shimla and Pune area. The photographer is unknown, but it is likely that he was a British soldier in the 3rd Sappers and Miners in the Indian Army.

This volume contains very few hints of its creator. It is probable that it was created by a British soldier in the 3rd Sappers and Miners in the Indian Army, but beyond two photographs of the Corps' mess hall, there are only limited indications of a military connection.

This photograph album was likely created by a British soldier in India in the early 20th century. The album contains about 100 photographs, both in the album and loose. Loose photos have been placed into a folder.

The album chronicles the sights of India in several regions, where he was likely either living or a tourist. Areas include Shimla, Pune, Nainital, Khadki, Ghorbunder, Bombay, Trichinopoly, Agra, and Delhi. Many of the photographs are landscapes or famous sites. The creator of the album captured Shimla in summer and under the snow and hail, and has flood and non-flood photos of the River Bund. A researcher will find photos of Delhi, including the Taj Mahal, Kulab Minar and the Pearl Mosque. There are a few photos of leisure activities such as sailing at the Puna Boat Club or Bombay Yacht Club or tennis in Nainital. Some of the photos capture locals in everyday activities like a vegetable stand, an ox-drawn carriage, or a fakir feeding monkeys. There are several photographs of people using mussuck rafts in the Sutley Valley. There are also two photographs of mess hall for the sapper and miners (Indian Army Corp of Engineers). In Shimla, the photographer captured the army headquarter offices and the United Services Club.

Though most of the photographs are of the sights, a few individuals are mentioned by name: Major Stokes, Alaric, and Elaine. A woman named Margaret is also referenced on a trip to Delhi and Harry is memorialized sailing at the Bombay Yacht Club.

Researchers will find that the spelling of various towns and sights mentioned in the finding aid are the modern spelling and are not consistent with the spelling used in the actual volume of photographs.