Artwork
Detachment of Bhopal Battalion at Indore

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


















