The Delhi Durbar of 1903 was a grand ceremony held in Delhi, India, to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India. Organized by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, it was a spectacular event designed to showcase the power and majesty of the British monarchy. The Durbar included a large amphitheater where the official coronation ceremony took place, as well as various displays of British and Indian pageantry.
This Oleograph publised durring Darbar by Ravi Varms Press Karla Lonavala is one of rarest of Rare & perhapps only single piece that has survived almost 120 years after its print. Same Oleogrpah was also produced by A Vivan Munshel Company London which became famous but finding a Ravi Varma Press oleograph on this subject is next to imposible.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Purpose:The Durbar served as a public declaration of Edward VII and Alexandra as the new Emperor and Empress of India, solidifying British rule and demonstrating their dominance over the Indian subcontinent.
Scale and Spectacle:The event was meticulously planned to be a magnificent display of British power and Indian culture. It included a grand amphitheater built for the occasion, elaborate processions, and displays of art and entertainment.
Participants:The Durbar was attended by the Duke of Connaught, representing the royal family, as well as numerous Indian princes and nobles. The event was also a showcase for the pageantry of native retainers.
Significance:The Durbar was a significant event in colonial India, marking a high point in British pomp and ceremony. It also provided a platform for the British to assert their political dominance and project an image of a unified and powerful empire.
Impact:The Durbar, while showcasing British power, also provided a stage for the expression of Indian identity and the articulation of political aspirations.
