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Madho Prasad Album Views of Benares Ghats Ramnagar Fort 1898 , 1898

Overview of the Collection

Photographer
Prasad, Madho Ram (Photographer), active approximately 1885-1905
Title
Madho Prasad Album Views of Benares Ghats Ramnagar Fort 1898
Dates
1898 (inclusive)
Quantity
20 photographs in one album (1 box) ; 11.75" x 9.75"
Collection Number
PH1462
Summary
Photo album of the city Benares (Varanasi), India by Madho Prasad
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.

Request at UW

Languages
English
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Biographical Note

Madho Prasad was the royal photographer of Prabhu Narayan Singh (1855-1931), ruler of the Indian Princely State of Benares (Varanasi) who would reign as Maharaja for 42 years.

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Historical Background

Benares (Varanasi) has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years, and is closely associated with the Ganges. The city was founded in the sixth century BC, and is one of seven sacred cities for Hindus. Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. Benares (Varansi) is also a sacred site for Jain pilgrims since four Jain tirthankaras, or spiritual teachers, were born there. The city is known worldwide for its many ghats, or embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions.

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Content Description

Album containing 20 albumen photographs featuring temples, Ramnager Fort and other important Ganges river side buildings in Benares (Varanasi), India made by Madho Prasad for the Maharaja of Benares.

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Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

View the digital version of the collection

Restrictions on Use

Status of creator's copyrights is unknown; restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication. Users are responsible for researching copyright status before use.

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Source: Wayfarer's Bookshop, April, 12, 2017.

Processing Note

Processed by Melanie Kay, 2018.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

 

  • Description: Ram-Nagar Fort

    The sandstone fort was built in 1750. It has housed the Kashi Naresh, who is believed to be the incarnation of Shiva, since the eighteenth century.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 1
  • Description: Assi Sangam Ghat

    This ghat lies at the confluence of the Assi and Ganges rivers, and is a holy site for pilgrims.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 2
  • Description: Two Jain temples at Butsraj Ghat

    This ghat has three Jain temples on the bank of the river.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 3
  • Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 4
  • Description: Kedar Ghat
    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 5
  • Description: Raja Ghat

    Previously known as Amrita Rao Ghat.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 6
  • Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 7
  • Description: Rana Mahal Ghat
    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 8
  • Description: Munshi Ghat

    Dharbanga Palace is shown on the left.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 9
  • Description: Ahilyabai Ghat
    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 10
  • Description: Dasaswamedh Ghat
    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 11
  • Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 12
  • Description: Lalita Ghat

    Nepali Mandir Temple can be seen on the far left.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 13
  • Description: Shiva Temple at Manikarnika Ghat

    Manikarnika is a "burning ghat" where the dead are cremated.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 14
  • Description: Maikarnika Ghat

    Baba Mashan Nath Mandir Temple is in the center of the picture.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 15
  • Description: Ghosla Ghat
    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 16
  • Description: Bajirao Ghat
    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 17
  • Description: Panch Ganga Ghat

    The Beni Madhaw Kadharara Mosque is on the left.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 18
  • Description: Gai Ghat

    Also sometimes called Gaya Ghat.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 19
  • Description: Sumer Temple at Ramnagar

    The Sumer Temple was built by Chet Singh.

    Dates: 1898
    Container: Box 1, Item 20

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Subject Terms

  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Geographical Names

  • Vārānasi (Uttar Pradesh, India)--Photographs
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