Early Indian Aviation Monoplane In Calcutta – 2 Photos 1913
Two rare 1913 photographs capture an early French monoplane at the Tollygunge Club grounds in Calcutta (now Kolkata). These historic images offer a fascinating glimpse into India’s little-known early aviation history. In one photo, a handwritten caption reads “French Aviators in Calcutta.” The second photograph is inscribed “Scene in grandstand during the visit of French aviators,” documenting the excitement of this pioneering aviation event in colonial India.
The aircraft visible in the center of the field closely resembles a French-made Blériot XI monoplane. Historical newspaper records mention that in 1910, two French aviators—brothers Jules and Jean Tyck—flew their Blériot XI monoplane in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This pioneering flight in India took off from the Tollygunge Club’s expansive 100-acre grounds. The aircraft had been shipped from England to Bombay (Mumbai) by sea and then transported to Calcutta by rail. The monoplane shown in this 1913 photograph is likely the very same Blériot XI flown in 1910, and possibly piloted again by the same French brothers from the same historic Tollygunge Club grounds.
In the first photograph, a massive turnout of spectators can be faintly seen in the distant foreground, while the second image shows a packed gallery, largely filled with Europeans. In the early years of aviation, such events naturally drew immense crowds and excitement. Across colonial India, cities like Karachi, Peshawar, Allahabad, Sitapur, and Madras (now Chennai) witnessed pioneering flights of both monoplanes and biplanes. Globally, the first successful powered flight was achieved in the United States by the Wright brothers in 1903, inspiring aviation pioneers worldwide, including those in India.
To see a vintage Bleriot, go to A Daring Flight.
Did you know – Kolkata airport was founded years later, and the first plane — the Royal Air Force around the-world flight — landed there in 1924.
