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Indian Khidmatgor
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Indian Khidmatgor
A khidmatgor (table boy)
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4319566
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10033938
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the image of a Khidmatgor, or table boy, serving at a grand banquet in India during the early 20th century. The Khidmatgor system was a traditional Indian practice where young boys were employed as personal attendants and servants in the households of the wealthy and noble classes. Dressed in simple white cotton clothing, the Khidmatgor in this image stands attentively behind a long table laden with an array of sumptuous dishes, ready to refill plates or offer beverages to the guests. His expression is serious and focused, reflecting the importance of his role in ensuring the smooth running of the event. The photograph, taken circa 1905, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of India during the colonial era. The ornate table setting, with its fine china, silverware, and crystal glasses, contrasts sharply with the simple attire of the Khidmatgor, highlighting the vast social and economic disparities of the time. The intricately carved wooden table and the grandeur of the room suggest that this is a banquet for the elite, a celebration of wealth and power. The Khidmatgor's role was an essential one, and he was expected to be discreet, efficient, and unobtrusive. He would learn a range of skills, from table setting and food preparation to pouring drinks and lighting candles. The Khidmatgor's training began at a young age, and he would often live in the household, becoming an integral part of the family. This photograph is a poignant reminder of a bygone era, when the role of the Khidmatgor was an integral part of Indian society. It offers a unique insight into the lives of the servants who played a crucial role in the daily lives of the wealthy and powerful, and the intricate social hierarchies that existed in India during the colonial period.
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