The First Narrow Gauge Railway In India, 1863 Print
This is a page from the Illustrated London News of May 23, 1863, showing the First Narrow Gauge Railway in India. The collection also includes a commemorative First Day Cover from 1987 with a picture of this bullock-driven railway. Commissioned by Gaekwar, the Maharaja of Baroda. The Gaekwars were the dynastic rulers of Baroda; they are better known as Gaekwads.
The Maharaja had commissioned this minor Railway for the people of his princely state. Bullocks originally pulled this narrow-gauge railway (2’6″ width). It operated from Dabhoi to Miyagam, which was constructed by A. W. Forde. The maharaja formally opened this narrow-gauge railway line in 1862. After the railway became a huge success, the bullocks were replaced by a steam locomotive. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know- the princely state of Baroda was one of the wealthiest in the British India era. The Maharaja was the sixth richest man in the world in 1908. Time magazine even reported on Maharaja Gaekwad’s wealth at that time.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph of c1894., Horse-Drawn Tram In Mumbai – Old Photo 1900., Old Book 1995- Madras Its Past & Its Present., View of Shoolay Bangalore, Old Postcard 1910
