Delhi Durbar Duke of Connaught’s Arrival, 1903 Photo
An old photograph of the Duke of Connaught’s arrival at the Delhi Durbar in 1903. It shows the arrival of the Duke of Connaught and Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India. Both are escorted by a turnout of mounted guards. Also known as the Imperial Durbar or the Coronation Durbar. A huge gathering densely lined on both sides of the avenue is also visible.
The occasion was to mark the succession of King Edward VII to the British throne. After Queen Victoria passed away in 1901. It was also to proclaim the king with the additional title of “Emperor of India”. In a way to show the world Britain’s absolute dominion over the British Empire. Since King Edward could not make it, he deputed his brother Prince Arthur the Duke of Connaught in his place.
After suppressing the 1857 Indian Mutiny the British Crown took direct control of the Indian Empire from the East India Company. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy had organized the durbar to a grand spectacle. He proceeded to make the Durbar as awe-inspiring as possible to showcase British power. Rivaled only by the Moghul Durbars. Evidently, he succeeded, because the 1903 Delhi Durbar was said to be the best out of the lot. Click on the photo for better view.
Read more Coronation of King Edward VII. See post Grand Procession Delhi Durbar Of 1903 – Old Photo.
Did you know- it should also be remembered India suffered many famines under colonial rule, the first was in 1770 and the last and the worst in 1943-44 (Bengal famine).
From the collection- Vintage Postcard Raja Ravi Varma’s Portrait., Cochin or Kochi In 1729 – Antique Hand Colored Map., Stone Carvings of Victoria Terminus Mumbai – Old Print 1886., Vintage Postcard Madras Water Supply Red hills Lake.
