Europeans Bungalow During Colonial Era India – 3 Photos 1880
Three 1880 photos show the interior and exterior views of European bungalows during the colonial era in India. It appears to have been the homes of high-ranking British officials or businessmen. Many Europeans made a beeline to then colonial India because of great business and economic opportunities.
Mostly settling down in the major cities of Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), Madras (Chennai), or Bangalore (Bengaluru). Many also settled in hilly regions like Assam, Ooty, Munnar, etc as planters. Primarily growing cash crops of tea, spices, rubber, coconuts, and so on. The colonial rulers are to be credited with the cultivation of tea in India. Today we are the largest consumers of tea in the world. Tea plantations were first introduced in Assam and other North-Eastern regions.
Likewise, rubber saplings were first introduced in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the 18th or 19th century from there introduced into Kerala. Kerala is today the largest rubber-producing state in India. So largely homes were required for the planters who were most likely to be Europeans. Thus shown are the interiors of such a Britisher’s bungalow with all amenities. Constructed generally from the profits of their trades. Unless otherwise, he was a government official. Here the government would provide all the conveniences that included commodious bungalows.
Read more Origin and Development of Colonial Bungalows. See post Hand-Pulled Punkahs In British Era Bungalows – 2 Old Photos.
Did you know- even into the 1940s the house would not have electricity, running water, refrigeration. Invasion of insects, rats, snakes, and–in remote areas–even wild animals was regular.
From the collection- Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., The British Fort In Bombay – Antique Plan 1755., US Navy Sailors In Mumbai – Old Postcard 1942
