A European Child During The British Era In Bangalore, 1890 Photo
An 1890 photograph of a European child during the British era in Bangalore (Bengaluru). During the British Raj, children born to European families in India were usually sent back to England for their schooling. Many returned later to join the colonial administration or take up lucrative business opportunities that thrived under British rule.
The period also saw a steady stream of young English women arriving in India, famously called the “Fishing Fleet Girls”, seeking husbands among British officials. The era was marked by a tragically high infant mortality rate. Limited medical knowledge and questionable Victorian remedies—such as opium, mercury, alcohol, and even blood-letting—made survival uncertain for children and adults alike.
Adding to the anxiety were baseless theories that European children could not thrive in India’s tropical climate. As a result, many were sent away to England at a very young age, often separated from their parents for years. Once in Britain, they endured the strict Victorian education system, where harsh discipline like caning was the norm. This photograph reflects a part of colonial family life in Bangalore.
Did you know – two of these children were a part of the schooling in England– the Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling (6 years) and his sister (3 years).
From the collection – 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#12)., King George & Queen Mary Procession Bombay, 1911., View Of Bombay From Mazgaon Engraved Print 1845., View Of Cochin – Antique Hand coloured Plan 1704.
