These Images Give A Rare Insight Into The Life Of A 19th Century Indian Maharajah

Maharajah Ram Singh ruled in the famous pink city of Jaipur between 1835 and 1880, and was also a keen photographer. Despite being a child when he ascended to the throne, the Maharajah embraced modern amenities and under his leadership the city became one of the most distinctive in the country.

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He would often roam the streets incognito to observe how state officials were carrying out their work, and was recognised by the British Government, which added four guns to his salute and nominated him as a member of the Viceroy’s Legislative Council. During his reign new water works, gas works, museums and schools were built, and he devoted a lot of his time to capturing the costumes and culture of his people with his then state-of-the-art camera equipment. Here: Portrait of a woman in the harem of the royal palace of Jaipur, India, circa 1857.

Portrait of a woman in the harem of the royal palace of Jaipur, India, circa 1857:

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Portrait of a woman in the harem of the royal palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

Maharaja Ram Singh III/Alinari via Getty Images

Portrait of a fakir, in the Royal Palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

Maharaja Ram Singh III/Alinari via Getty Images

Double portrait of a woman in the harem of the royal palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

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Full portrait of a woman in the harem in the royal palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

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Self-portrait of the Maharajah Ram Singh III, in the royal palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

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Portray of a female supervisor of the harem in the royal palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

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Portrait of the minister of the Maharajah, in the royal palace of Jaipur, India, circa 1857:

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The horse of Maharajah Ram Singh III, sovereign of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

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Portrait of a prince in the royal court of the palace of Jaipur, India, circa 1857:

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Full portrait of a noteworthy man in the royal palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865:

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Group portrait of noteworthy men and visitors, in the Royal Palace of Jaipur, India, 1857 – 1865

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