Imperial India
Subtitle: a pictorial history
By: A. S. Bhalla
Published: 2018
Language: eng
Number of pages: 159
ISBN-13: 9781528902793
Subjects: Pictorial works; History
Description: Magnificent palaces, forts and fortresses, victory towers and memorials, among others, are the living symbols of imperial lavishness in India. The book describes and illustrates royal edifices from Agra, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Hyderabad, Lahore, Madras, Poona, Rawalpindi, Quetta and Simla. The physical history of the above architecture is juxtaposed with social history of the time, for example, segregation of the British rulers from their subjects, and habits and customs of the colonial rulers and Indian and Burmese princes. The cultural history of the times is captured by the establishment of Shakespearean theatre, musical comedies and drama in the Indian sub-continent. Transport history is addressed through a discussion and illustration of Indian railways, among the largest transport networks in the world. The author's private and rare collection of vintage postcards published in Germany and the UK between 1905 and 1910 is the main source of illustrations in the book.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 147-151) and index.
Table of contents: title: Ancient, pre-Mughal and Mughal India. Ancient empires ; Delhi and Deccan sultanates ; Splendour of Mughal forts and palaces ; Mughal mausoleums and mosques; title: Princely India. Maharajas and palaces; title: British India. The Raj and segregation ; Symbols of British pomp and power ; Palaces of the Raj ; Indian railways ; Esplanades, malls and markets ; People, customs and costumes ; English theatre and actors ; Metropolitan centre and the periphery.