Artwork

Detachment of Bhopal Battalion at Indore

Detachment of Bhopal Battalion at Indore, by Raja Deen Dayal, 1886
Detachment of Bhopal Battalion at Indore, by Raja Deen Dayal, 1886

Detachment of Bhopal Battalion at Indore is a photography by the Impressionist artist Raja Deen Dayal. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Detachment of Bhopal Battalion at Indore is a photograph depicting a group of Indian soldiers with a British officer. The image showcases the diverse composition of the Bhopal Battalion.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph features a British officer seated among Indian soldiers, signifying his higher rank. The presence of Sikhs, identifiable by their turbans and trimmed beards, highlights the battalion's diversity, as Sikhs were prized by the British Indian Army for their martial prowess.

Technique & Style

The photograph is a formal group portrait, with subjects arranged in a row. The image captures the uniforms and attire of the soldiers, including turbans and beards, providing a detailed representation of the battalion's appearance.

History & Provenance

The Bhopal Battalion had recently seen combat during the Second Anglo-Afghan War, fighting to maintain Afghanistan as a British-friendly buffer against Russian expansion. The photograph is attributed to Raja Deen Dayal, a notable photographer.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Raja Deen Dayal

Artist

Raja Deen Dayal

Raja Lala Deen Dayal, famously known as Raja Deen Dayal) was an Indian photographer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.