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British at Dinner

British at Dinner


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British at Dinner

The British dine while a punkah-wallah cools the air : the servants seem to outnumber the guests

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 592583

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10041267

1820 Abroad Dine Dinner Guests Punkah Servants Wallah Cools


EDITORS COMMENTS
"This evocative image captures the scene of a formal British dinner in India during the early 19th century. The room is filled with an air of opulence and grandeur, as the well-dressed guests sit down to enjoy their meal. However, what is immediately striking about the photograph is the overwhelming presence of servants in the room. The servants, clad in traditional Indian attire, seem to outnumber the guests, with some attending to the needs of the diners while others operate the punkah-wallahs, large hand-held fans made of palm leaves, to cool the air. The punkah-wallah in the foreground is intently focused on his task, his expression serious as he works to keep the room comfortable for his superiors. The British had been traveling to India for centuries, first as traders and later as rulers, and this photograph offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the colonial elite during their time abroad. The dinner table is laden with an array of fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware, indicating the wealth and status of those seated around it. The servants, on the other hand, are relegated to the background, their role essential but unacknowledged. The photograph, titled "British at Dinner (The British dine while a punkah-wallah cools the air : the servants seem to outnumber the guests)", is a poignant reminder of the power dynamics that existed during the colonial era. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the material culture and social customs of the time, making it an invaluable addition to any historical collection." This photograph, taken circa 1820, is part of the extensive collection of historical images available at Mary Evans Picture Library from Mary Evans Prints Online. It is a powerful reminder of the rich and complex history of the British in India and the profound impact it had on the world.

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