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India - Calcutta - Sacrificing a goat early 1900s
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India - Calcutta - Sacrificing a goat early 1900s
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Media ID 32380924
© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans
Calcutta Colonialism Goat Goats Kolkata Sacrifice Sacrificing
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This evocative vintage photograph captures the sacred ritual of goat sacrifice in Calcutta, India during the early 1900s. The image, part of The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection from Mary Evans Prints Online, transports us back in time to an era of colonialism, when the British Empire held sway over India. The scene unfolds on a bustling Calcutta street, with onlookers gathered around a makeshift altar, their faces etched with solemnity and reverence. A man in traditional Indian attire, his forehead marked with the symbol of the god Shiva, stands before the altar, his hands raised in prayer. In his other hand, he holds a long knife, ready to perform the sacrificial act. A goat, its eyes wide with fear, is secured to the altar by ropes. Its coat is glistening with sweat, and its breaths come in ragged gasps. The animal's fate is sealed, as it is about to be offered to the gods in a plea for their blessings. The atmosphere is illuminated by the warm glow of a lantern, casting long shadows on the cobblestone street. The Victorian and Edwardian-era clothing of some onlookers serves as a stark reminder of the British influence in India during this period. This poignant photograph offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of India, where ancient traditions and beliefs continue to thrive amidst the backdrop of colonialism. It is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between the past and the present, and the enduring power of faith and ritual.
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