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Rickshaw transport, Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
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Rickshaw transport, Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Rickshaw transport, Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Date: circa 1890s
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Media ID 14129450
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Ceylon Colonialism Lanka Lankan Rickshaw Rickshaws
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This evocative photograph captures the scene of a bustling street in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the late 1890s, with a line of rickshaws waiting to transport passengers through the colonial city. The British Empire had established control over Ceylon in 1815, and the country underwent significant transformation during the following decades. The rickshaw, a common mode of transportation in Asia, was introduced to Ceylon during this period. Pulled by a single man, these three-wheeled vehicles provided an affordable and convenient alternative to horses or horse-drawn carriages. The rickshaw pullers, often of Indian descent, could be found in every corner of the city, ready to ferry passengers to their destinations. The photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of Ceylon during the colonial era. The men in European attire, likely British officials or affluent locals, walk along the cobblestone streets, their umbrellas shielding them from the tropical sun. The rickshaw pullers, dressed in simple loincloths and turbans, wait patiently for their next fare. The contrast between the two groups highlights the stark divide between the colonial rulers and the local population. The rickshaws themselves are a testament to the blending of cultures that occurred during this time. The vehicles were adapted from their Chinese origins to suit the needs of the British and the local population, with additions such as canopies and side curtains to protect passengers from the elements. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the rich history and complex dynamics of colonial Ceylon, a time when Eastern and Western influences intersected and shaped the island nation in profound ways.
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