19th Century India
The study of 19th century India (years 1801- 1900) provides a glimpse of India in its earlier centuries, while many records of the period are available due to the western influences.
The early years were chaotic with numerous kingdoms forming and falling successively. The most important events that occurred are the establishment of British in India, the First Indian War of Independence, the end of Mughal empire, and early signs of Indian renaissance that led to India's freedom and drastic social reforms.
19th century India was very backward with the caste system taking ugly forms. Untouchability and Sati system were still in practice, and the illiteracy was very high. Education was denied to women, and veil (purdah) system was in vogue.
Some of the important Indians who lived in 19th century are: Dayanand Saraswati, Bahadur Shah II, Raja Ravi Varma, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Depiction of social life in India during the 19th century via period illustrations and photographs.
 A Corner in Delhi A 19th century photograph showing a street in Delhi |  |
 |  An Ekka, or One-horsed Road Cart |
A Hindu Barber and his Hindu Customer |  |
 | A Street in Bangalore, 19th Century |
Advancing Military Regiment Detail from a 19th century painting |  |
 | Barber and a Client Also notice another man sharpening in the background. Illustration by a British artist, Eastern India, 19th Century. |
Couple Weaving Baskets Illustration by a British artist, Eastern India, 19th Century. |  |
 | Group of Famous Brahmin Pundits, circa 1900 |
Horse-shoe Maker Illustration by a British artist, Eastern India shows a man with a whip getting bullock or horse shoes made by a blacksmith. |  |
 | "Kim," the Chela and the Old Lama |
Padre Being Carried 19th century Sedan, Goa |  |
 | Reclining Woman on a Luxurious Sofa Detail from a Tiruppavai illustration, 19th century |
Scenes of Bombay Top: Bullock buggy; Below: A kite shop of Bombay |  |
 | South Indian Potter Illustration by a visiting English artist |
Street Corner, Jeypore Photograph shows city of Jaipur |  |
See Also:
- Potpourri of Pictures -- A pictorial portal to the picturesque land of India. Includes photographs of elements, portraits, women, paintings, and a Photo Blog
- The Princely States
- Mysore Portraitures -- Portraits of leading citizens of Mysore kingdom commissioned by the ruler in the 19th century, provide lots of clues into period fashions, governance, and administrative posts.
