1890 Photo of Kanchenjunga In the Himalayas View from Darjeeling
A 1890 photograph capturing the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas, the third-highest mountain in the world. As seen from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. Rising to a majestic 8,598 m (28,209 ft), Kanchenjunga, also known as Kanchendzonga, is the highest peak in India and a crown jewel of the Himalayan range.
Dominating the skyline of Sikkim and Darjeeling, the name “Kanchendzonga” translates to “Five Treasures of the Snows.” According to Sikkimese beliefs, its five summits guard five sacred treasures: salt, minerals, gems, grain, invincible armour, and holy scriptures. The mountain is revered as a guardian deity and worshipped throughout Sikkim, especially during the Pang Lhabsol festival, where prayers, rituals, and vibrant masked dances are performed at Buddhist monasteries to seek protection and blessings for the year ahead.
From Tiger Hill, visitors can sometimes witness the rare spectacle of Mount Everest visible at dawn. Another must-see attraction in Darjeeling is the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. Click photo to enlarge.
Did you know- that in 1999, an Austrian expedition to scale Kanchenjunga was cancelled after widespread public protest. Because it would dishonor the deity and bring catastrophe to Sikkim.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Mohini On A Swing” – Vintage Print 1930s.
