The wolf boy of Secundra before 1894

This is an anonymous photograph titled "The Wolf Boy of Secundra." The image is mounted on a page from "The Magazine of Indian Photographs", likely dating from the late 19th century during British colonial rule in India. We see a young boy, unclothed, crouched low to the ground, his gaze directed at the camera. The boy’s story, as told in the accompanying article, speaks of a child raised by wolves. But, what does it mean to be raised by wolves in colonial India? The image and the tale are a product of their time, reflecting colonial anxieties about the "civilized" versus the "savage." The photograph raises questions about identity, belonging, and the very nature of what we consider human. It challenges us to think about how stories shape our understanding of others, and perhaps, more importantly, ourselves. Consider how the gaze of the camera and the narrative of the article contribute to the construction of this boy's identity. What does it mean to be seen, studied, and classified in this way?