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37th Dogras Northwest Frontier Colonial India photograph album, circa 1896-1899
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- 37th Dogras Northwest Frontier Colonial India photograph album
- Dates
- circa
1896-1899 (inclusive)18911904
- Quantity
- 98 photographic prints in one album (1 box) ; sizes vary
- Collection Number
- PH0346
- Summary
- Photographs of landscapes, cities, forts, soldiers, animals, and locals in the northwest frontier of colonial India, which later became Pakistan and northwest India.
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries’ Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials Curator required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.
- Languages
- English
Historical BackgroundReturn to Top
During the first Afghan war (1839-1842), the British overextended themselves and were forced to pull back. After that, they focused less on expansion and more on defense. In 1857, members of the Bengal army that controlled northern India mutinied. Many people died, and the British suffered a severe blow. The British crown took control of the army, which had been under the authority of the East-India Company. Despite their lack of success during the first Afghan war and their focus on defense, the British once again headed for Kabul. The second Afghan war did not go well for the British, and once again they failed to gain more than temporary control of Kabul.
In 1887, the British strengthened the Bengal army by adding a regiment of Hindus from the Rajput hill states. This new regiment was called the 37th Dogras. The homogeneous composition of the group was a result of the British belief that segregation would help prevent another widespread mutiny. In the remaining years of the 19th century, the 37th Dogras participated in expeditions in several parts of the northwest frontier. The Tochi Valley was one of the areas in the frontier that caused problems for the British. It was one of the main routes to Afghanistan, and after the Waziristan Expedition in 1894, the valley's main posts, including Idak, Miran Shah, and Datta Khel, were garrisoned by British troops. The British continued to fight in the valley until 1901, when Viceroy Lord Curzon removed the British troops and replaced them with tribal militia. By 1924, the British were once again at war with Afghanistan.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The photographs in this album depict landscapes, cities, forts, soldiers, animals, and locals in the northwest frontier of colonial India, which later became Pakistan and northwest India. They were taken between 1896 and 1899, and for the most part were arranged in the album in chronological order. Many of the pictures show members of the British-allied 37th Dogras regiment as well as scenes of the rugged Tochi Valley, where the 37th Dogras helped fight for control of the Afghan border. They also show the Simla hill station, where the British went to escape the heat and danger; several sites in the Indus valley, including Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan; the famed Khyber Pass; and the city of Chamba, known for its temples and a grass concourse called the Chawgan. It is probable that the album's original owner was a British officer in the 37th Dogras who was stationed in the northwest frontier of colonial India during the late 19th century and created the album to document his travels.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Afghan Wars--Photographs
- Military personnel--India--Photographs
- Military personnel--Pakistan--Photographs
- Soldiers--India--Photographs
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
Corporate Names
- Great Britain. Army--Colonial forces--India--Photographs
- India. Army. Dogra Regiment--Photographs
Geographical Names
- Chamba (India)--History--19th century--Photographs
- India--History--British occupation, 1765-1947--Photographs
- North-West Frontier Province (Pakistan)--History, Military--Photographs
- Pakistan--History--19th century--Photographs
- Simla (India)--History--19th century--Photographs
- Tochi Valley (Pakistan)--History, Military--Photographs
Form or Genre Terms
- Photograph albums