The Diwan-i Khas from the Mussaman Burj, Agra Palace 1862 - 1864

This photograph of the Diwan-i Khas from the Mussaman Burj at Agra Palace was captured by John Murray, an Englishman, in the mid-19th century. Murray's lens frames the architecture of power, yet subtly hints at the complexities of colonial India. The Diwan-i Khas, a space for private audiences, contrasts sharply with the figures of the two Indian men seated in the corner; their presence as subjects within the frame invites reflection on the dynamic between colonizer and colonized. This image subtly captures the negotiations of identity and space within the colonial context, suggesting both the imposition of British power and the persistent presence of Indian life. Murray’s photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate, often unseen layers of cultural exchange and power that define our understanding of history. It prompts us to consider how photography itself became a tool in shaping perceptions and narratives in colonial India.