Washing clothes at a Dhobi Ghat, Calcutta, India
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Washing clothes at a Dhobi Ghat, Calcutta, India
People washing clothes at a Dhobi Ghat, Calcutta (Kolkata), India. Date: circa 1890s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14138241
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Calcutta Dhobi Drying Ghat Kolkata Laundry Wash Washing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the daily scene of washing clothes at a Dhobi Ghat in Calcutta, India, dating back to the 1890s. Dhobi Ghats, open-air laundries, have been an integral part of Indian urban life for centuries, providing an essential service for washing and cleaning clothes for households and communities. In this image, we see a group of men and women, dressed in traditional Indian attire, engaged in the laborious task of washing and rinsing clothes in large tubs filled with water. The clothes are then spread out to dry on long lines, creating a vibrant and colorful display against the backdrop of the bustling city. The open-air setting allows the clothes to be dried in the sun and the fresh air, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned and ready for use. The Dhobi Ghat was not only a place of work but also a social hub, where people from different communities came together to exchange news, stories, and laughter. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and cultural traditions of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and India during the late 19th century.
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