MenuInventory of the Raja Deen Dayal photographs, circa 1870s-1905
Abstract
Indian-born professional photographer active in the last half of the 19th century; died in 1905.
Collection of 51 large albumen and gelatin silver photographs mounted on mat board, taken by professional photographer Raja Deen Dayal, which offer insights into the culture, history, and environment of India in the last decades of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The prints range in size from 5x8" to 9x11", and document the 1903 visit of Duke and Duchess of Connaught, which includes marshalling of troops and parades, various archaeological sites, monuments, and natural vistas. Images are arranged by print number, some of which are original and some assigned by the dealer (in brackets). Acquired as part of the Archive of Documentary Arts at Duke University.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Deen Dayal, Raja, 1844-1905.
- Title
- Raja Deen Dayal photographs, circa 1870s-1905
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 3.0 Linear Feet, 51 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllComprised of 17 silver gelatin prints, originally housed in a photo album. Original titles and spellings have been retained. Dimensions vary and are noted.
Other Prints Series, circa 1870s-1905
Unless otherwise noted, prints in this series measure 9x11". Original titles and spellings have been retained. Two prints are gelatin silver, and the remainder are albumens.
Historical Note
Raja Deen Dayal (1844-1905) was born in Sardhana, Uttar Pradesh, to a family of jewellers. In his early career, he trained as an engineer, but while working as a draughtsman he was introduced to photography. In the mid-1870s, he started taking photographs professionally. His reputation grew quickly. At 30 years of age, he won the patronage of Maharaja Tukoji Rao II of Indore. He then photographed the Prince of Wales' visit in 1875. Meanwhile he also traveled extensively to document India's natural vistas and monuments. In 1885, he became the court photographer to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mahbub Ali Khan, Asif Jah VI, and was also appointed to the Viceroy of India. He was bequeathed with the title Raja and Queen Victoria honored him with a Royal Warrant. He also set up studios in Mumbai, Hyderbad and Indore. At his death in 1905, he was a leading photographer in India, known especially for his unique visual perspectives not only on the court, but also on India's monuments, natural vistas, and archaeological sites.
Subject Headings
- Arthur, Prince, Duke of Connaught, 1850-1942.
- Deen, Dayal Raja, 1844-1905.
- Documentary photography--India.
- Delhi (India)--Pictorial works.
- Gwalior (India)--Pictorial works.
- Great Britain. Army--Colonial forces--India--History.
- India--Court and courtiers--Pictorial works.
- India--History, Military.
- India--History--19th century.
- India--Pictorial works.
- India--Social life and customs--19th century.
- Kashmir (India)--Pictorial works.
- Albumen photographs.
- Gelatin silver prints.
- Archive of Documentary Arts (Duke University)
Related Material
- Samuel Bourne Photographs, circa 1863-1875 [British-born photographer active in India] (Rubenstein Library, Duke University)
- R. B. Holmes Photographs, 1910-1919 [images include areas of India and Pakistan] (Rubenstein Library, Duke University)
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Raja Deen Dayal photographs, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The Raja Deen Dayal photographs were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2012.
Processing Information
Processed by Joanne Fairhurst and Paula Jeannet Mangiafico, October 2012.
Encoded by Joanne Fairhurst and Paula Jeannet Mangiafico, Matthew Warren, November 2012.
Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 2012-0119.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.