Prince of Wales’s Tour of British India, Photo 1921
A 1921 photo of Edward VIII Prince of Wales’s Tour of British India. Prince Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales, arrived in India on a state visit. Anti-British sentiments had been growing. Mahatma Gandhi was becoming a well-known figure as a nationalist leader. The Prince arrived in Bombay (Mumbai) to vast crowds.
His desire to meet the people of India as well as the princes was met with approval. Despite Mahatma Gandhi’s boycott, thousands of Indians lined the streets wherever he went. In Lahore, he rode amongst the countless Punjabis, who marvelled at his simplicity. He left the railway station amongst a seething mass of excited, cheering crowds.
In the other states, the Prince of Wales relaxed amongst the pomp and splendour of their hospitality. The prince played polo, went on hunting expeditions, and learned pig sticking from the Maharaja of Jodhpur. He shot tiger in Nepal, he received gifts and promises of allegiance from the various Indian princes. He returned to England in June 1922. He is seen in Bombay seated in a Crossley motorcar (black) during his departure felicitation. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know- Edward VIII became the King in 1936 but abdicated after a few months in the same year.
From the collection- Rural Life In India Watercolour Painting By N. Mukherjee., British Cavalrymen Bangalore – Old Photo 1877., St Thomas Cathedral In Bombay – 2 Old Postcards 1907., San Thome Fort Madras – Antique Map 1757
