Early Indian Aviation Monoplane In Calcutta – 2 Photos 1913
Two rare photos from 1913 show early Indian aviation with monoplane in Calcutta (Kolkata). A handwritten text reads “French Aviators In Calcutta.” The text on the 2nd photo reads “Scene in grandstand during the visit of French aviators”. The photos were taken presumely by a Britisher.
The images, although a little blurry, convey an invaluable glimpse into India’s little-known early aviation. The outline of the aircraft shown in the center of the field almost matches a French-made Bleriot XI monoplane. A newspaper article refers to two Frenchmen who took flights in their Bleriot XI Monoplane in Calcutta in 1910. The aviators were brothers Jules and Jean Tyck.
In 1910 it was recorded that the flight in India took off from the Tollygunge Club’s vast 100-acre ground. The aircraft was shipped from England to Bombay by sea, then transported to Calcutta by rail. It is almost certain that the monoplane shown in this 1913 photo was the same Bleriot XI Monoplane that was flown in 1910. Very likely flown by the same French aviator brothers, Jules and Jean Tyck. Apparently, from the same Tollygunge Club grounds.
A massive turnout of crowds is faintly visible in the far foreground shown in the 1st photo. The gallery, shown in the 2nd image, looks to be packed with Europeans. Since this was the early years of aviation, it naturally drew huge crowds and excitement. Karachi, Peshawar, Allahabad, Sitapur, and Madras were a few of the places known to have flown either monoplanes or biplanes. The first successful flight achieved was in the USA by the Wright brothers in 1903.
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.
