Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1175

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.8 linear feet (1 volume and 1 folder)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

India photograph album, 1945, Ms. Coll. 1175, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1945 (inclusive)

Form:

Photograph albums and Photographs

Abstract:

This photograph album captures the daily life of rural Indians in 1945 as seen by either an American or British military doctor.

This collection is dated 1945 and centers on the experience in India of the creator, likely a military doctor for the British or American army based in or near Chakeri or Cawapore (today Kanpur).

This photograph album captures the daily life of rural Indians in 1945 as seen by either an American or British military doctor. It is likely the station sick quarters (S.S.Q.) referenced were located in or near Chakeri or Cawapore (today Kanpur) and the unknown creator is a subject of some of the photos. The photographs are carefully captioned. Loose photos have been placed in their own folder.

Almost all the photos are of Indians engaged in common activities and rituals. The ritual of the burning ghat is carefully documented, from the beginning of the deceased's parade all the way through to the pyre. A wedding is also photographed and described. There are many shots of snake charmers, carpenters, doctors, string makers, monkeys, farmers, children and others.

A few photographs of landscapes and monuments also make an appearance. There is one photograph of a very large, inflatable likeness of Adolf Hitler taken during victory day celebrations in Cawapore, as well as a scene of the VJ celebrations in Cawapore (dated May 14, 1945, so possibly VE Day). There seem to be a number of missing photographs with captions in either a different hand, or perhaps the same hand recorded at a later date.