Photography was introduced in India in the 1840s. Then began a gradual setting up of photographic societies in India, from 1855 onwards, in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. The medium received patronage not only from the rulers and professional practitioners who set up studios, but also from the
British administration.
One of the earliest professional photographers was Samuel Bourne, from the company Bourne and Shepherd. Bourne’s and other rare images, including those by Lala Deen Dayal, are part of the show Historic Delhi: Early Explorations of the Camera, c.1860-1950, drawn from the Alkazi Collection of Photography.
At the National Gallery of Modern Art, October 1-November 7. For details, call NGMA: 011-23384560