Peasant women at Manglaor before 1895

Frederick Saint John Gore made this photograph of three peasant women at Manglaor. The image presents an interesting view into the lives of women in British India during the late 19th century. Gore's work offers a glimpse into the everyday lives and struggles of women within a specific socio-economic context. Positioned against a tree, their expressions seem to reflect a mix of resilience and weariness, while their stance communicates an attitude of self-possession. The baskets they carry suggest labor, connecting them to the agricultural landscape and broader themes of class and identity. While their clothing might seem simple, it’s also possible to recognize the marks of cultural distinctiveness. Consider how the photograph can be understood in terms of representation, spectatorship, and the colonial gaze, and what stories about identity and agency might be interpreted in this context.