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Benares, The Burning Gháts, Late 1860s. Creator: Samuel Bourne
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Benares, The Burning Gháts, Late 1860s. Creator: Samuel Bourne
Benares, The Burning Ghats, Late 1860s
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Media ID 36364490
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1860s Benares Uttar Pradesh India Bourne Samuel Cremation Ghat Ghats Samuel Bourne Varanasi Uttar Pradesh India
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Benares, The Burning Ghats, Late 1860s
EDITORS COMMENTS
is an evocative and poignant photograph taken by Samuel Bourne during his travels in India in the late 19th century. The image captures the scene of the burning ghats of Benares, also known as Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. The ghats are a series of steps leading down to the banks of the sacred River Ganges, where cremations take place. The photograph presents a stark and powerful contrast between the architectural grandeur of the buildings and the raw reality of the cremation rituals. The facade of a grand, ornate building can be seen in the background, its intricate details standing out against the monochrome backdrop. In the foreground, figures can be seen performing the solemn rites of cremation, their faces etched with solemnity and devotion. The burning ghats of Benares have held a significant place in Indian history and culture for centuries. They are considered to be one of the most sacred places in Hinduism, and the cremation of the dead is believed to bring salvation and release from the cycle of rebirth. The photograph captures the essence of this unique and complex blend of life, death, and spirituality, making it a powerful and enduring image of India's rich cultural heritage. Samuel Bourne was a British photographer who traveled extensively in India during the 19th century, documenting the people, places, and cultures he encountered. His photographs are an invaluable record of this period in Indian history, and "Benares, The Burning Ghats, Late 1860s" is a testament to his skill and sensitivity as a photographer. Today, this photograph is part of the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and serves as a reminder of the enduring allure and mystery of India's past.
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