The Golden Lotus Pond at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India c. 1880 - 1890

This photograph, taken by Nicholas & Co. between 1880 and 1890, captures the grandeur of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The image showcases the iconic "Golden Lotus Pond," a sacred water body surrounded by a colonnaded structure. The intricately carved towers of the temple rise majestically in the background, their reflections mirrored in the still waters, creating a sense of serenity and spiritual significance. The photograph, part of the Rijksmuseum collection, offers a glimpse into the architectural and religious beauty of South India during the late 19th century.