I’m posting a few vintage photos of Jaipur clicked in the late 19th century onwards on World Photography Day. These old Jaipur photos were taken from a variety of websites; I have given credit to the respective sites at the end of this post. Most pictures were clicked by famous photographers of their respective time like Oodeyram Gobindram, Lala Deen Dayal, Bourne & Shepherd, etc.
Maharajah Ram Singh II (1835-1880 AD) of Jaipur was an ardent fan of photography. He was probably the first one to make hundreds of prints of Jaipur clicking a variety of subjects like architecture, street life, local people, visitors & special occasions along with self-portraits. Many international traveling photographers and famous photo studios captured the pink city in pictures some of which are Bourne & Shepherd, and Gobindram Odeyram to name a few. All these vintage pictures are available on Google.
I’ll start with Maharajah Ram Singh II‘s picture. As per available details, this picture was shot in 1877 AD. You can also read a full post on photography by Maharajah Ram Singh II in this write-up Jaipur thru the king’s lens: Sawai Ram Singh II
Here is a picture of the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Wind as is known among foreign tourists. This picture dates to around 1880 AD, 80 years after it was completed.
Here is another shot of Hawa Mahal from 1895 AD
The below picture captures Badi Chaupar overlooking the Hawa Mahal and markets in the surroundings. In the background, one can see Nahargarh Fort towering over the city with WELCOME written over the Nahargarh hill just below the fort. This picture dates to 1926 AD.
Here is another picture that captures the street and Bazaar view of Jaipur from a similar time frame. The building in pink color on the left side used to be a Haveli (mansion) which was later converted into an art school. You can find the current pictures here in this write-up. Do read the full post on the Museum of Legacies, as it is known now.
Picture of Amer Fort from 1910 AD. This palace was deserted in 1729 AD once the capital shifted from Amer to Jaipur.
Read the complete post-Amer Fort, The only guide you will ever need
Picture of visiting state guests most likely Britishers during the colonial rule on a hunting game near Jaipur. The time is not indicated but I assume it’s from the early 1900s. You can find more such pictures in Shikaar Bagh- Hunting and yore over food and drinks
Finally, a picture of the last Maharani (queen) of Jaipur Maharani Gayatri Devi. This picture was shot in the 1940s in her new palace- The Rambagh Palace. It is now a heritage hotel run by the Taj group. Rambagh Palace is rated as one of the best heritage hotels in India. Maharani Gayatri Devi was incredibly popular among people. She is considered one of the most beautiful queens, ever!
Here is a picture of the Tripolia Gate in the walled city area of Jaipur. It is an undated photo and is presumed to be from the 1940s.
Here is an old photo of Brijnidhi Mandir from Jaipur photographed by Martin Hurlimann.
I hope you liked these old pictures of Jaipur. You watch more old pictures of Jaipur in my series Jaipur Then And Now which captures the changes over a period of 50-150 years. You can find it here Jaipur Then And Now
Stay updated with Jaipurthrumylens!! via:
The source of the above pictures are reckontak.com, http://www.oldindianphotos.in, http://www.columbia.edu/, blog.chaukhat.com
I did not know it was world photography day. Thanks for the history lesson on your lovely town in India!
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Yes Peter.It was world photography day, some call it World Photo day!
I’m happy you liked it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Peter! 🙂
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Jaipur is so beautiful arv:)
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I can only agree! 😉
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:D:D:D your making me laugh again arv ……an interesting one tho you have to admit
It all comes tumbling out as it is ….whatever is in my head comes tumbling out into the blogosphere:D:D:D
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That’s what it’s all about Fijay! Share your views!
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What a beautiful legacy!! Let’s take care of those forts and palaces. 🙂
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I agree. Its a tough job given the quantum of forts and palaces we have! I hope we can carry this legacy forward for future generations. 🙂
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The vintage pictures of forts and palces are a pleasure to see.
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I agree with you Somali! Rajasthan and Jaipur in particular is famous for forts & palaces. 🙂
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Super pictures, Arv!
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Thank You Mick! 🙂
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The vintage pictures are a treat to the eye. Lovely write up too. 👍🏼
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Thank You Meena! It’s nice to know you liked it. 🙂
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Lovely to see the old pictures of Jaipur…a great idea,thank you for sharing such an interesting post.
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Thank you Vicky! 🙂
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Great post, Thanks for sharing amazing pics.
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I’m happy you liked it Rupam! 🙂
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Beautiful pictures Arv! I have a few old photo’s of India in my family history, my Great Great Grandfather was in India (1860’s) in Kurrachee,Bombay & Maharashtra, India. A couple of my Great cousins were born there…..not a good time for India…..
Sorry no photo’s at the river yet..I had emergency Appendectomy on Thursday..no swimming for at least a week or two! Late next week though! 🙂 T.
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vintage pictures? wow that’s great…I would love to have a look at that! Sorry to hear about your emergency appendectomy! 😦
Hope you’re better now! wish you a speedy recovery!
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You’ve got quite a collection of vintage snaps. It must have taken some effort to find these. I like going back in time and wondering how things must have been then. 🙂
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I have been following a group who keeps posting “then and now” pictures. It’s quite interesting! My interest in history is newly founded though! 🙂
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Keep at it, Arv! I’ve developed a love for history whilst travelling. Didn’t quite take to it in school. I’d get to learn through your accounts. 🙂
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I was never into history in school. But I’m quite interested in terms of built heritage that we have! Thanks for encouraging words! 🙂
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Haha! That makes the two of us. 🙂 Have a great week.
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Thank you…you too have a great week ahead…Cherly! 🙂
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Jaipur have a beautiful heritage ,the forts,the palaces ,everything is great .about this amazing city
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Thank You. I can only agree with you. 🙂
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Huge fan of vintage photos – thanks
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Me too Raghav! It becomes reference point for all of us!
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wow, all these never seen before Pictures are amazing.
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Yes they are great. these pictures serve as a reference point. I’m happy you liked it 🙂
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I’m with Arohii- never seen these images before ! Thank you x
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Well there are many more! I have posted just a few! 🙂
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I really love old black and white photos. Not only do they have more atmosphere, but they are great historically. What a great collection. I am always looking out for old black and white pictures of India or Africa. Me and the whole world, sadly. The blog was such a good read. I am going to look at the 70th independent one next. Your photos are vey clear and sharp. It makes mine look very amateurish. Thank you
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I’m happy you liked them.
I was thinking of doing then and now series. Let’s see….
I also love old vintage pictures Jackie!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Much appreciated! 🙂
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oh yes – then and now. they are always interesting….
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Sure will work on it 🙂
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So good to see these vintage shots. It provides an insight into the culture back then.
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Certainly, Alok. I guess it is also a reference point.
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