Military Canteen At Cantonment Deolali, 1900 Postcard
A 1900 postcard of British India-era military canteen at a cantonment in Deolali (Devlali). The people standing outside the canteen building are the British military and civil service people. The canteen is a military store dispensing provisions and general household goods to the military staff at a very subsidized cost.
This practice continues even today that includes the army, navy, and airforce personnel of all ranks. Since Deolali became an important British military transit camp and acclimatizing center. British sent their newly recruited military or navy people to Deolali. This was to adapt to Indian weather and general conditions.
European recruits most of the time were disconcerted by India’s culture and extreme summer heat. Devlali was chosen to give a soft landing by way of a sanitorium, likewise, Nilgiris had a sanitorium for the south. Acclimatization would be carried out by way of rigorous drills, route marches, trekking, and so on. After the training, recruits were then deputed to various military camps and garrisons across colonial India.
Read more Deolali Cantonment Board., and Canteen Stores Department. See post Dhondy Road Deolali – Old Postcard 1900.
Did you know- the golf course inside the Deolali Cantonment, was one of the largest golf courses in India at the time of its development by the British.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper (#2)., City Of Cochin In 1672 – Antique Map., Malabar Hill Bungalow With Punkah – Old Photo 1890., King George V’s Coronation Celebration Simla – Old Print 1911
