Deepak Razdan shares some pages from the photo-book ‘Enduring images frozen in time: a Photo-Portrait of Kashmiri Pandits by S N Pandita and Ramesh Manvati’ (2007). This book has more than 200 images of Kashmiri Pandits spread over a century. From what I read, the only problem with the book was the it gave very little or no information about the actual subjects in these photographs, doesn’t tell you who they were, where was the photograph taken, general stuff like that would have made this book more personal. Still, a great effort. As I have written quite a bit about vintage photographs from Kashmir, I am adding some additional notes to some of the photographs shared here. [Those interested in buying the book can do so here ]
The photograph is by Francis Frith. I have written in detail about it, more about the image here
The youngest in the group wearing a Ladakhi Gomcha. Others in collared Pherans. (change visible in dress code)
Deepak Razdan’s grandfather’s brother JN Kaul with Indira Gandhi
First Kashmiri Photographer. Pandit Vishi Nath Kampassi in his studio (1893 A.D.)
A few of his works survive in the book ‘Kashmir in Sunlight & Shade: a Description of the Beauties of the Country, the Life, Habits and Humour of its Inhabitants, and an Account of the Gradual but Steady Rebuilding of a Once Down-trodden People’ (1922) by Cecil Earle Tyndale-Biscoe. You can see it here, here and
3 Replies to “Photo-Portrait of Kashmiri Pandits, 2007”
Thanks for sharing this book to readers of this excellent blog. You're right that the book doesn't mention people or places where the photographs were taken, but what the book does show, is the fashion and traditions of Kashmiri Pandits throughout the early decades.
If you get the book, there might be photographs or sceneries you may recognise, which some readers may want to know.
Vinay Kampasi from Jammu shared an image from this page on his Facebook and added:
"Pandit Vishi Nath Kampasi, my Great Grand Father, introduced Printing & Photography in Jammu & Kashmir in 1880 A.D. He started his establishment in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar under the name & style of M/s K.P. Steam Press. This press was unique of its kind in whole of North India as it would function on the electricity generated by a steam engine. Later on in 1936 a branch was opened in Residency Road, Srinagar under the name and style of very famous M/s Vishi Nath Printing Press."
Thanks for sharing this book to readers of this excellent blog. You're right that the book doesn't mention people or places where the photographs were taken, but what the book does show, is the fashion and traditions of Kashmiri Pandits throughout the early decades.
If you get the book, there might be photographs or sceneries you may recognise, which some readers may want to know.
I was planning to. But something has come up…my money is now going here.
Vinay Kampasi from Jammu shared an image from this page on his Facebook and added:
"Pandit Vishi Nath Kampasi, my Great Grand Father, introduced Printing & Photography in Jammu & Kashmir in 1880 A.D. He started his establishment in Fateh Kadal, Srinagar under the name & style of M/s K.P. Steam Press. This press was unique of its kind in whole of North India as it would function on the electricity generated by a steam engine. Later on in 1936 a branch was opened in Residency Road, Srinagar under the name and style of very famous M/s Vishi Nath Printing Press."