how did photography develop in India? who were the famous exponents during the colonial period?
Answers
The existence of photography in India can be traced back as early as the 16th century, when the Camera Obscura acted as a mechanism for projecting images. These early cameras did not fix an image, but only projected images from an opening in the wall of a darkened room onto a surface, turning the room into a large pinhole camera. Later experiments started and the process of photography became more technologically advanced. However, the serious influx of Photographic art arrived in India under the reawakened sway of the Colonial Powers. Despite lack of prompt transport, apparatus photography was available in India as early as 1850s.
The Bombay Photographic Society was formed in 1854 with 200 members. Similar bodies were formed in Madras and Calcutta in 1856 tied to the colonial regime. The East India Company declared Photography to be the most accurate and economical means of recording the architectural and archaeological monuments for official records, travellers etc. The company actively encouraged the employees to photograph, and record archaeological sites. Thus, it was due to this that photography became a key element of the `Archaeological Survey of India`, established in 1861 (following on from the activities of the `Asiatic Society` dating from 1784) and still in existence.
Many missionaries coming from Britain to bring Christianity to India were keen and sometimes very competent amateur photographers. These few westerners in India formed the major market for photography in India being largely the ones with the money to buy photographs.
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During the period of `Indian Mutiny`, there was a considerable public interest about India in Britain, creating an increased market for photographs about the culture and lifestyle in India. Thus, this was a key event in the development of photography in India - as well as a milestone in the struggle for independence. People who read stories in the newspapers about Delhi or Lucknow wanted to see what these places looked like and wanted to see pictures of the Indians.