Princess Shah Jehan, India, from the Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers series (N189) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This is a chromolithograph of Princess Shah Jehan of India, printed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of their "Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers" series. These cards were produced in an era marked by European colonialism and rampant cultural stereotyping. The depiction of Princess Shah Jehan through a Western lens is fraught with the biases of its time. The series title itself reveals a colonial mindset, categorizing non-Western leaders as "savage" or "semi-barbarous," reinforcing a sense of European superiority. This was a common visual strategy that supported the political and economic ambitions of colonial powers. Consider the emotional impact of this image on viewers then and now. For contemporary audiences, it serves as a reminder of the complex and often troubling history of cultural representation and the lasting effects of colonialism. This image challenges us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the act of portraying someone from another culture.