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Punkawallahs, c. 1860-80s
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Punkawallahs, c. 1860-80s
498625 Punkawallahs, c. 1860-80s by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; out of copyright
Media ID 22911552
© Bridgeman Images
Fans Impoverished Labourers South Asian
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Punkawallahs, c. 1860-80s" captures a group of laborers in India during the late 19th century. Taken by an anonymous European photographer, this portrait offers a glimpse into the lives of these hardworking men. Seated together in their humble attire, these poor Indian men are engaged in their occupation as fan operators or punkawallahs. Their job was to manually operate large fans called punkahs, providing relief from the sweltering heat for those who could afford such luxuries. The image highlights the stark contrast between wealth and poverty prevalent during that era. These unskilled workers were part of the low caste and received meager wages for their services. Despite their impoverished circumstances, they display resilience and dignity through their stoic expressions. Photography played a crucial role in documenting social realities at that time, shedding light on marginalized communities like these punkawallahs. This particular print is now part of a private collection and has entered the public domain due to its age. As we observe this historic photograph today, it serves as a reminder of both the struggles faced by individuals like these punkawallahs and the power of photography to capture untold stories from our past.
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