A Young Englishmans First Experiences in India, 1889
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
A Young Englishmans First Experiences in India, 1889
A Young Englishman does his best to fit into colonial life in India. He purchases a solar topee, bathes in the Indian style and is waited upon by Indian servants, but lets himself down by eating his curry with a knife. Date: 1889
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14172002
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1889 Abroad Adjusting Bath Comedy Curry Differences Englishman Experiences Knife Mosquitos Servant Servants Solar Topee
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Young Englishman's First Experiences in India, 1889" is a captivating photograph that beautifully encapsulates the humorous and often challenging experiences of colonial life in India during the late 19th century. The image depicts a young Englishman, dressed in Victorian attire, attempting to adapt to his new surroundings. With a determined expression on his face, he proudly dons a solar topee, a large sun hat designed to protect against the intense Indian sun. The solar topee, with its distinctive flap in the back, was a common accessory for British expats living in India during this era. However, the young Englishman's efforts to blend in don't end with his headgear. He is seen taking a bath in the Indian style, using a large ceramic basin and a small stool. Two Indian servants stand nearby, ready to attend to his needs, a common sight in colonial households. Despite his best efforts to acclimate, the young man's colonial upbringing still shows through in one significant way. As he reaches for his plate of curry, he grabs for a knife instead of using his hands, a clear sign of his unfamiliarity with Indian customs. The photograph also reveals other details of colonial life, such as the mosquito netting hanging above the bathing area, a necessary precaution against the numerous mosquitoes and other insects that were prevalent in India. The use of insect repellent was also common during this time, as evidenced by the bottle of repellent visible on the table. Overall, "A Young Englishman's First Experiences in India, 1889" is a charming and humorous glimpse into the past, showcasing the challenges and differences that the young Englishman faced as he adjusted to life abroad in colonial India.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.