Vintage: Historic B&W photos of India (19th Century)

Vintage: Historic B&W photos of India (19th Century)

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025

The rush of technology and the commercialisation of agriculture in the second half of the 19th century was marked by economic setbacks—many small farmers became dependent on the whims of far-away markets. There was an increase in the number of large-scale famines, and, despite the risks of infrastructure development borne by Indian taxpayers, little industrial employment was generated for Indians. There were also salutary effects: commercial cropping, especially in the newly canalled Punjab, led to increased food production for internal consumption. The railway network provided critical famine relief, notably reduced the cost of moving goods, and helped the nascent Indian-owned industry.

Darjeeling. Kinchinjunga and the snow from Beechwood Park

Darjeeling. Kinchinjunga and the snow from Beechwood Park (19th Century)

Agra. The Fort

Agra. The Fort (19th Century)

Agra. Diwan-i-Chas

Agra. Diwan-i-Chas (19th Century)

Agra, Taj Mahal

Agra, Taj Mahal (19th Century)

North of India. Bride and Bridegroom

North of India. Bride and Bridegroom (19th Century)

Amritsar. Golden Temple

Amritsar. Golden Temple (19th Century)

Ceylon. Singhalese-Fisherboys.

Ceylon. Singhalese-Fisherboys. (19th Century)

Cawnpore Memorial Well and Garden

Cawnpore Memorial Well and Garden (19th Century)

Darjeeling. Kinchinjunga and the snows from Kutcherry Hill

Darjeeling. Kinchinjunga and the snows from Kutcherry Hill (19th Century)

Gwalior. Urwal

Gwalior. Urwal (19th Century)

Gwalior. Jain Temple

Gwalior. Jain Temple (19th Century)

Jeypore. Maharajah's Palace.

Jeypore. Maharajah’s Palace. (19th Century)

Jeypore. Jey Sings Observatory

Jeypore. Jey Sings Observatory (19th Century)

Karlee Caves.

Karlee Caves. (19th Century)

Lucknow. Residency Eastern Side

Lucknow. Residency Eastern Side (19th Century)

Lucknow. Modjibaman

Lucknow. Modjibaman (19th Century)


MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025