King George V Statue Unveiling Ceremony, Calcutta, 1939 Photo
An extraordinary 1939 photograph of Calcutta (Kolkata) captures the ceremonial unveiling of a statue honoring King George V during the British era. The image reveals a grand spectacle, complete with a military parade, formal assemblies, and large crowds gathered.
British and Indian military officers, along with civilian dignitaries, stood in solemn tribute to the late monarch, who had passed away in 1936. The unveiling was performed by Sir Robert Reid, who stepped in following Lord Brabourne’s death. At the time, Reid held dual responsibilities as the acting Governor of Bengal.
What makes this photograph particularly interesting is the visible presence of Indian spectators. Their participation, however, must be understood within the broader context of colonial authority. Where attendance at such events was often shaped by social expectations and political pressure rather than genuine allegiance.
The statue itself portrays King George V in the ceremonial attire he wore during the historic Delhi Durbar of 1911, a defining moment when he was proclaimed Emperor of India. Public statues of British monarchs and viceroys once dominated the urban landscapes of colonial cities like Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, and Delhi.
Following India’s independence in 1947, many such statues were dismantled or relocated, often removed without ceremony as the nation sought to redefine its public spaces and identity. Today, only a handful of these colonial-era statues survive, scattered across Indian cities, some preserved in museums, others standing quietly in less prominent locations. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know- Coronation Park in New Delhi is a 52-acre resting place of statues of British monarchs and viceroys.
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