In an era dominated by smartphone selfies, it's surprising to learn that India's first known selfie dates back to 1880. This groundbreaking self-portrait was taken by Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya of Tripura, a pioneer in photography and the architect of modern Agartala.
Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya, renowned as the architect of modern Agartala, was not only a visionary ruler but also an enthusiastic photographer. His wife, Maharani Manmohini Devi, was equally passionate about the art form, being considered the first Indian woman to master photography. Together, this royal couple pioneered self-portraiture in India, capturing what is believed to be the country's first selfie in 1880.
How was it clicked?
It's believed that the Maharaja used a timer mechanism or a long cable release to trigger the camera, allowing him to join the Maharani in the frame using a lever that you see in the picture below. This technique was cutting-edge for its time, especially in India.
M K Pragya Deb Burman, convenor of INTACH Tripura Chapter and a descendant of the late Maharaja, told The Hindu, "He was a pioneer in giving a fillip to arts and photography and so was his better half, Manmohini Devi. In fact, the duo laid the foundation of Tripura's historical bond with arts."
This royal selfie captures an intimate moment between the Maharaja and his queen, Manmohini Devi, taken without anyone else present in the room - a remarkable feat for its time. Dr. Mahua Bhattacharjee, a historian specializing in the princely states of Northeast India, emphasizes the significance of this achievement in a 2022 article for the Indian Journal of Photography: "In the late 19th century, photography was still a complex and time-consuming process. For the Maharaja to capture a self-portrait with his wife shows not only technical skill but also a forward-thinking approach to the medium."
Records from the Tripura State Archives indicate that Bir Chandra Manikya established one of the first photography studios in the region, equipped with the latest technology from Europe. This studio became a hub for artistic experimentation and documentation of royal life.
The question of how the Maharaja developed these photographs in a time when such processes were rare in Indian society remains intriguing. Dr. Sanjay Sharma, a photo-historian at Delhi University, suggests, "The royal families of India often had access to technologies and techniques that were not widely available. It's likely that the Maharaja either imported the necessary chemicals and equipment or had trained technicians to handle the development process."
The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, in their 2018 publication on early photography in India, mentions Bir Chandra Manikya as one of the earliest Indian practitioners of the art form, noting that his work "demonstrates a keen understanding of composition and lighting, rivaling that of contemporary European photographers."
This royal selfie not only represents a technological milestone but also offers a glimpse into the personal lives of Indian royalty during the late 19th century. It challenges the notion that self-portraiture and candid photography are modern phenomena, showcasing instead a long tradition of photographic innovation in India. As we scroll through countless selfies today, it's worth remembering that this form of self-expression has roots dating back over 140 years in India, bridging the gap between royal traditions and modern technology
Comments