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India - Bengalese Babu
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India - Bengalese Babu
India - a Bengalese Babu (a clerk who managed the affairs of the Colonial British in India). Date: circa 1907
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Media ID 7231683
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Administrator Affairs Clerk Managed Umbrella Dhoti
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Bengalese Babu: A Snapshot of Colonial India's Administrative Hierarchy (circa 1907) This evocative black-and-white photograph captures the image of a Bengalese Babu, a clerk who managed the affairs of the British colonial administration in India. The Babu, dressed in traditional Indian attire, including a dhoti and a thin, translucent shirt, is seen holding an umbrella to shield himself from the scorching Indian sun. His attire is accessorized with a watch chain, a sign of his position and status. The Babu's role was crucial in the British colonial administration, as they served as intermediaries between the British rulers and the Indian populace. They were responsible for managing various administrative tasks, including record-keeping, translation, and communication. The Babus were often highly educated, fluent in English, and well-versed in both Indian and Western legal and administrative systems. The umbrella, a common accessory for the Babus, was not only a practical necessity to protect them from the sun but also a symbol of their status and authority. The Babus were an essential part of the British colonial administrative machinery, and their role continued to evolve and expand as India transitioned towards independence. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the complex and intricate administrative hierarchy of colonial India. It is a poignant reminder of the rich cultural history and the intricate interplay of power dynamics that characterized the colonial era.
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