East View of British Era Deolali, 1895 Postcard
An 1895 photo postcard of the east view of British era Deolali (Devalali). Established in 1861 the cantonment was a transit point and training center for British troops. Newly arrived British soldiers would be sent to Deolali for training and acclimatizing. Putting them to rigorous drills, route marches, trekking, and so on. Then send them off to various military camps and units in India.
Devlali is on the Deccan Plateau which has a cool climate all year round. It was a perfect transit location for the newly recruited European soldiers arriving from England. Even to a hardened British military soldier India’s harsh weather could be a complete putoff. In which Devlali gave a soft landing from the harshness of the Indian weather and culture. The cantonment was a city in a city. With its clubs, bazaars, entertainments, and so on, although the living conditions and food were said to be poor.
Read more Call it Devlali, Deolali or Doolally, you just got to love it!. See post Wellington Barracks Nilgiris – Old Postcard 1905.
Wellington in the Nilgiris was the acclimatization center in the south. The barracks at Wellington were generally meant for the British soldiers to get acclimatized especially for the newer arrivals. They would easily fall sick because of the oppressive heat of the plains of the Madras Presidency.
The oxygen levels at this place are so high that you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated instantly.
Did you know- the oxygen level in this place is so high, it is said that one feels, refreshed and rejuvenated almost immediately.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph c1894., Bombay Backbay View From Malabar Hill – Old Print 1900., Malabar Hill Bungalow With Punkah – Old Photo 1890., Indian Revolt Lucknow & The Residency – Vintage Map 1900