Balcony of Musamman Burg in the Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh, India 1864 - 1866

Samuel Bourne made this albumen print, "Balcony of Musamman Burg in the Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh, India," likely in the 1860s. Bourne was a British photographer known for his images of the Indian subcontinent during the time of the British Raj. This photograph captures a detail of the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant example of Mughal architecture. The image prompts us to consider the social and political context of 19th-century India. As a British photographer working in India, Bourne's work reflects the colonial gaze, framing Indian architecture and landscapes for a Western audience. How did the photographer understand the site? What aspects of Indian culture was he trying to convey to the viewer? His photographs contributed to shaping Western perceptions of India and reinforced the power dynamics of the British Empire. By studying archival materials such as travel accounts, official reports, and other photographs from the time, we can better understand the cultural exchange that happened.