Banian Collection

Indian servants clothes: hukabardar or hookah pipe bearer, caukidar or watchman, serkar or steward
FLO4623941 Indian servants clothes: hukabardar or hookah pipe bearer, caukidar or watchman, serkar or steward, jamadar or head servant, seated banian or chief servant comptroller

The Banyan Tree, 1927 (etching)
6198796 The Banyan Tree, 1927 (etching) by Lumsden, Ernest Stephen (1883-1948); 24x35.2 cm; The McManus, Dundee, UK; (add.info.: Ernest Stephen Lumsden (1883-1948)); Dundee Art Galleries and Museums

Indian servants clothes: hukabardar or hookah pipe bearer, caukidar or watchman, serkar or steward, jamadar or head servant, seated banian or chief servant comptroller, chobdar or mace bearer

Runjeet Singh and his suwarree encamped under the banian tree on the River Sulley (engraving)
819144 Runjeet Singh and his suwarree encamped under the banian tree on the River Sulley (engraving) by Harvey, William (1796-1866) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Great Banyan, or Sacred Tree, of India (Ficus Indica)
THE GREAT BANYAN, OR SACRED TREE, OF INDIA (Ficus indica). A banyan (also banian) is a fig that starts its life as an epiphyte (a plant growing on another plant)

VIEWS AT THE SOUTH CAPE OF FORMOSA, 1883: 1. A Coral Beach on the South-East Coast. 2. The Bay at the South Cape. 3. Divers Blasting Coral to Clear the Channel. 4. A Mandarins Mat-House. 5

Banyan or Bengal Fig -Ficus benghalensis-, strangler fig, Las Pailas, Ricon de la Vieja National Park, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Central America

THE GREAT BANYAN, OR SACRED TREE, OF INDIA (Ficus indica). A banyan (also banian) is a fig that starts its life as an epiphyte (a plant growing on another plant)

ZANZIBAR: BANYAN MERCHANT. Line engraving, 1873

INDIA: BANYAN TREE. Wood engraving, early 19th century

RELIGION: BANIAN CEREMONY. Remarkable Ceremony of the Banians on Giving a Child its Name. Line engraving, English, 18th century

Aden, Yemen - Baniyan Merchants
Aden, Yemen - Indian Hindu Gujarati baniyan (merchants)

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The banian, also known as the banyan tree, holds a significant place in Indian culture and history. Its sprawling branches provide shade and shelter to various activities that have been captured in etchings and engravings over time. In the early 19th century, Indian servants donned their traditional clothes while performing their duties. The hukabardar or hookah pipe bearer ensured that his master enjoyed a relaxing smoke, while the caukidar or watchman kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings. The serkar or steward managed household affairs with utmost efficiency, and the jamadar or head servant supervised other servants diligently. Underneath the majestic banian tree on the River Sulley, Runjeet Singh and his suwarree encamped. This engraving depicts an important moment in history when powerful individuals sought solace under its protective canopy. The Great Banyan Tree of India is considered sacred due to its immense size and age. It stands as a symbol of strength and endurance amidst changing times. Similarly, in Las Pailas within Ricon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, another banyan tree thrives as a strangler fig. Beyond India's borders, Zanzibar showcases merchants trading beneath its expansive branches. These line engravings from 1873 capture the bustling atmosphere surrounding these enterprising individuals. Religion also finds its way into depictions of banians' significance. A remarkable ceremony held by Banians involves giving a child its name - an event filled with tradition and cultural importance. Lastly, Aden in Yemen highlights how Baniyan merchants engage in commerce influenced by this iconic tree's presence. From serving influential figures to being revered for their spiritual significance across different cultures and regions worldwide - these glimpses into banians' influence remind us of their timeless allure throughout history.