First Class / India / 1894
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First Class / India / 1894
A first class compartment on the train to Bikanir. Date: 1894
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14293316
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1894 Caste Compartment Hawk Turbans
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1894, offers a glimpse into the luxurious world of first-class travel on the Indian railway during the British colonial era. The image depicts an elegantly appointed compartment on the train bound for Bikanir, a princely state in Rajasthan. The carriage exudes an air of opulence, with plush seats upholstered in rich fabrics, ornate woodwork, and large windows that allow for breathtaking views of the Indian countryside. The passengers in this compartment reflect the diverse social fabric of India during that time. Seated in the foreground, a European man in a suit and top hat reads a newspaper, while a turbaned Sikh man, dressed in traditional attire, looks out of the window. A hawk perched on the luggage rack adds an intriguing touch to the scene, hinting at the hunting parties that were a popular pastime among the wealthy. The caste system, deeply ingrained in Indian society during this period, is subtly reflected in the seating arrangement of the compartment. The Europeans occupied the forward-facing seats, while the Indian passengers sat in the rear. This rigid hierarchy was a stark reminder of the social order that governed every aspect of life in colonial India. Despite the stark contrasts in wealth and social status, the train provided a common means of transportation, connecting people from all walks of life and bringing them closer, albeit in separate compartments, to their destinations. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, transporting us back in time to an era of luxury, diversity, and the intriguing complexities of colonial India.
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