Dead Monarch And The New, Glimpse of British India In 1910

Two interesting and rare glimpses of British India from a print of 1910. That shows the proclamation ceremony of a new monarch and the funeral service of a deceased monarch. This print is a page from the Times of India Illustrated Weekly Supplement of June 15, 1910. The first picture shows an official ceremony proclaiming George V as the new King-Emperor.

The ceremony takes place at Mahableshwar which was the summer headquarters of the British Government of Bombay Presidency. Mahableshwar is 260 km from Bombay (or Mumbai) and 120 km from Pune. The stately carriage perhaps of the Bombay Governor George Clarke is also visible in the picture. The second picture shows a huge gathering that attended the funeral service marking the death of King Edward VII at Mussoorie.

Mussoorie, a hill station in north India and once the destination for the British to escape the heat. King Edward VII was the eldest son of Queen Victoria who took over as the monarch after her death in Jan 1901. King George V was the second son of Edward. His elder brother Prince Albert Victor died of pneumonia at the age of 28. Notice British ladies and Indians amongst the crowd. A compelling view is that of the Union Jack Flags that are shown in both the pictures. Click on the photo for better view.

See older post King George V’s Coronation Celebration Simla – Old Print 1911

Did you know- that Edward VII had toured India as the prince of Wales in 1875-76.

From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#12)., Royal Indian Army Service Corps – Old Photo., British Regiment Bengaluru – Old Postcard 1911