1887 Photo From Bangalore Shows European Women On Horsecart
An old 1887 glass slide photograph showing European women in colonial Bangalore on horsecart. Glass slide photos were inserted on magic lanterns, and the image was then enlarged onto a wall or a screen. It was a very popular method of viewing. The image captures two British women seated on a horsecart accompanied by an Indian attendant.
Bangalore had a large number of Europeans because of its cantonment and civil station. After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, travel between England and India became faster and more affordable. This also led to an influx of middle-class English women seeking marriage prospects among British men posted in India’s military, civil, medical services, and so on. These women were popularly known as members of the “Fishing Fleet.” While some found suitable matches, others returned home unsuccessful, hoping to try again the following year.
This glass slide not only documents a moment of colonial leisure but also offers a glimpse into the social history and gender relations of the British Raj era. Click photo to enlarge.
Also read ‘Memsahibs’: How British women negotiated food and fear (and love and life) in colonial India.
Did you know- the English women who were used to managing various household tasks back in England would be surprised to discover that in India, there was virtually nothing for them to do; all household work was handled by domestic staff.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#8)., Pachaiyappa’s College & Flower Bazaar Chennai 1910 Postcard
