Rare Glimpse of British Audience In Colonial Era India, 1880 Photo

An old 1880 photo shares a rare glimpse of a British audience in colonial-era India. A mixed audience of British and Indians seem to enjoy watching a game, although it is not visible in the photo. Perhaps a game of tennis, football, cricket, polo, athletics, etc. These were some of the common games played at the time. Nevertheless, the mixed crowd of Indians and Europeans seemed to be intensely watching the game from the sidelines.

Also looking on are some British children standing in the left corner with their guardians. Evidently, a sizable number in the crowd are fashionably dressed British ladies. Seen in the background are a number of refreshment tents. The British clearly indulged themselves in sports and games like tennis, football, cricket, etc. Mostly brought in from their own country England in the 18th and 19th centuries. This photo truly brings a rare glimpse of a past India from the 19th century. Click on the photo for better view.

See post Military Games Poona – Old Photo 1900.

Did you know- in 1872, in North West Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), there were around 5,000 British women. By 1901 the number went up to 42,000.  

From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#9)., Hill Palace Maharaja Of Cochin’s Residence – Old Postcard., Bombing of Madras By Emden WW1 – Old Print 1914.

The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.

Photo Details

Year -

1880

Photograph Size -

9 x 7 inch

Photographer -

British