First White Man To Climb The Taj Mahal, 1927 Photo
An old 1927 news photo of the first white man to climb the dome of the Taj Mahal. This was in 1927, and why he climbed the top of the Taj Mahal is a mystery. Maybe for the heck of it, but what is baffling is how he managed to climb up the top of the steep and slippery marble dome is a wonder. Regardless the protagonist was James M. Andrews of the USA, a student in the world’s first “Floating University” the SS Ryndam.
The inset shows a somewhat closer view of him looking toward the Yamuna River. He seems to be completely dwarfed by the dome and the massive bronze finial of the Taj. Looking on from the ground are local Indian attendants and perhaps the rest of the foreign entourage.
In 1926 the University World Cruise aboard the Holland American Line Ryndam sailed out from New York harbour. On a seven-month worldwide cruise that visited 35 countries, including then British India. In India, the ship would have docked at Bombay or Calcutta port, the passengers then travelling by train to Agra. Click on the photo for better view.
Read more on the SS Ryndam A History of Shipboard Education – MV Explorer – 1910 TO 2010. See earlier post Taj Mahal From River Yamuna Side – Old Photo 1865
Did you know- it is said that Shah Jahan killed the architect and workers after the monument was completed, this is purportedly believed to be a myth.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#10)., Dhobie In Bombay – Old Postcard 1903., King George V’s Coronation Celebration Simla – Old Print 1911., Early Vintage Cars In Bombay – 4 Old Postcards
The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.
