British Raj Movies

This amateur film gives us a fair idea of the opulent life enjoyed by members of the British government in India.

The Taj Mahal and shots of Jalandhar nestle between footage from Canada and Africa.

An intimate insight into the servant culture and lifestyle of the Viceroy of India and family, as they visit Simla (Shimla) and Lahore.

Millions of Muslims flee to Lahore in the newly created state of Pakistan, prompted by the partition of British India.

Romantic, atmospheric travelogue capturing some of northern India’s most iconic places – not least the Taj Mahal.

Actuality film showing a busy Salvation Army parade in a rural village under the British Raj.

Dignitaries including the Nizam of Hyderabad gather to celebrate the Durbar in honour of George V, who arrives by boat in Bombay.

Evocative observational scenes of Simla and Lahore, including the gorgeous Shalimar Gardens and Anarkali Bazar.

Rare stencil-coloured images of early 20th century Delhi during a Muslim festival.

Amateur travelogue of the Kagan Valley and Darband, Pakistan.

Indian elephants in action as working animals and in hunting.

The Mysore Palace shines with 100,000 lights in a dazzling 400-year-old celebration.

Happy farmers, a wedding and some giant cauliflowers...

The Maharajah of Jind inspects the guard of honour.

Amateur footage of Delhi and Jaipur, from a military review to an atmospheric torchlit procession - and some armour-plated elephants.

Lord Lytton takes up the post of Governor of Bengal.

The Maharajah of Kapurthala and guests travel on elephants and men catch fish on the River Bias.

Anti-Congress propaganda film made by a District Officer in India.

Armoured elephants, sacred monkeys and a camel carriage from Rajasthan.

Boats and steamers on the mud flats and lakes of the Assam district, India.