British Family At Dal Lake Kashmir, 1895 Photo
An 1895 photo of a British family at Dal Lake in Kashmir India. The notation on the back reads “Dal Lake May 7 95”. British families reside at a wooded campsite apparently near the famous Dal Lake of Kashmir. Although the lake is not visible but probably is in the background or may be in the far foreground of the picture.
Also visible are the Indian servants. Tents were not only used as living quarters but were also used for kitchens and servants’s quarters. The Europeans would enjoy the cooler places like Simla, Kashmir, Mussoorie, Dehra Doon, and so on, in northern India. Whereas in the south it was Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, etc.
The lushness of the place is apparent with the huge shady trees visible all over. These may have been the Walnuts or Chinar that were once abundant in Kashmir. Unfortunately, modernization and haphazard tourism are taking their toll, this beautiful greenery seems to be vanishing steadily today.
Read also- Himalayan hill stations from the British Raj to Indian tourism.
Did you know- Dal Lake is the second largest one in Jammu and Kashmir, Wular is the Largest.
From my collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph c1894., c1845 Bombay Overlooking Fort Steel Engraved Print., Antique Print- Plan of Fort St George & Madras c1746., c1908 Picture Postcard Of Bombay Soldier With Ode
