Photo 355/9(8)

Genre: Portrait Photography

Full-length seated portrait of four figures of Mandsaur, Gwalior, two seated and two (armed with swords) standing behind. This portrait is reproduced as plate 380, vol VII of J. Forbes Watson, 'The People of India' (8 vols, London, 1868-75), where the two men are described as ministers of the Nawab of Jowrah. Probably photographed at Jaora in March 1862.

For notes on the dress and physical characteristics of the sitters, see the table in Government of India Foreign Consultations (General), July 1863 (IOR P/205/14), p. 40. Waterhouse also notes: 'The Mussulmans of Mundissore were introduced into the country at the period when the Mahomedans conquered Malwa. They are divided into two classes, the Writers and the Military Mussulmans. Nos 1 and 2 represent the Writer class; they are employed in the Cutcherry at Jowra: No. 3 and 4 represent the Military class; they are employed by the Nawab of Jowra. In all other respects their customs are the same as those of other Mahomedans in Central India. This negative was destroyed by printing in the rains; I send in the few copies I had printed before it was spoilt.' The sitters are identified as (seated) Abdul Rahim Beg (aged 60) and Sheikh Abdul Huq (aged 55); (standing) Abdul Mujeed (aged 21) and Anur Khan (aged 35).

[Albumen print, 180x124mm].

Subjects = Dunlop Smith Collection; Indian office holders