Home > Historic > Colonial history > Colonial art and artists
India - women preparing a corpse for cremation, Calcutta
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
India - women preparing a corpse for cremation, Calcutta
Vintage 19th century photograph, India - women preparing a corpse for cremation, Burning Ghat, Calcutta
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23420286
© Mary Evans / Pump Park Photography
Adult Burning Calcutta Colony Corpse Cremation Ghat Preparing Stretcher
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Asia
> India
> Related Images
> Historic
> Colonial history
> Colonial art and artists
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative vintage photograph captures a poignant moment in the daily life of Calcutta's Burning Ghat during the late 19th century. The image portrays a group of women preparing a deceased adult for cremation, a sacred ritual deeply rooted in the Hindu culture of India. The scene unfolds outdoors, amidst the grandeur of the ghat's ancient architecture, with the smoke from previous cremations rising in the background. The women, dressed in traditional attire, work diligently and with reverence, their faces etched with solemnity and determination. They carefully lay the body on a wooden stretcher, adorned with colorful fabrics and flowers, before performing the necessary rituals to ensure the soul's peaceful transition to the next world. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of India during the colonial era, when the British Raj held sway over the subcontinent. The Burning Ghat, a popular tourist attraction for the colonial elite, served as a stark reminder of the stark contrasts between the two cultures. The image invites us to reflect on the profound significance of death and the enduring power of tradition in the face of imperial influence. The photograph, taken in the 1870s, 1880s, or 1890s, is a testament to the beauty and complexity of India's past, offering a poignant reminder of the human experience and the universal themes of life, death, and the passage of time.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
