British Family On Horse Cart Glimpse of Colonial India, 1880 Photo
An 1880 photo shows a glimpse of colonial India’s British family on horse cart. They seem prepped for a family outing. In 1880 automobiles did not come into the scene until the 1900s. The most efficient and indispensable travel was surely by horse cart. Since there were not too many European families in India (except for top-ranking officials or businessmen) scenes like this are rare to find.
The Britisher may have been a high-ranking official by the look of the liveried servants, cart, and bungalow he was entitled. Living in India had its hardships for some Europeans. Tropical diseases, oppressive heat, and posted in remote places did not make the stay easy. However, the upper-echelon officials had a more comfortable life. But the rewards by way of salary, bungalows, and servants mostly offset the hardships to a certain extent. The expenses were considered far cheaper than that in England. Most them would retire with a fairly large fortune.
Read more- Heyday of the Raj. See posts European Women In Bullock Cart British India, 1900 PC., and Colonial Bungalow In British India – Old Photo 1865.
Did you know- after reports of the fortunes made by Clive and others filtered back to England, it seemed that everyone wanted a position in India. Bribes were paid to London officials to secure a position.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Mohini On A Swing” – Vintage Print 1930s., Procession of Indian Princes Delhi Durbar 1903 – Old Postcard., Pune Near Mumbai – Old Print 1875., Cochin or Kochi In 1729 – Antique Hand Colored Map
