Glimpse of Europeans In 19th Century Mysore, 1880 Photo
An 1880 photo with a glimpse of Europeans in 19th-century Mysore. A gathering of Europeans who either look like have arrived for an event or perhaps departing after the event. It may have been a wedding, theater, musical event, etc. The gathering consists of European men, women, and children.
Two horse carriages are likely to carry them to their destinations. The location could be either Mysore or Bangalore, where there was a sizeable crowd of Europeans especially in the cantonments. Once the Suez Canal opened in 1869, it was a great relief for travellers from England to arrive in India. Who otherwise had to travel from around South Africa’s Cape Hope taking around six months to reach India.
The travel via the Suez Canal greatly reduced the time and cost. In a matter of four weeks, travellers reached India by steamer ships. Thus enabling many Britishers to take their families along. Unmarried European ladies would also arrive in India by this route, primarily to seek prospective British grooms. The unlucky ones would return only to be back the next year to try their luck again. They were known as the fishing fleet girls.
Did you know – that many children of Britishers found it easier to be inducted into the required job services in colonial India.
From the collection – 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper (#2)., King George V & Queen Mary In Bombay, 3 PCs 1911., View of Poona or Pune – Old Print 1855., Opening Of The Madras Railway – Old Print 1856.
