English Family at table under a Punkah
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English Family at table under a Punkah
English Family at table under a Punkah, or fan, kept in motion by a Khelassy (or Punkahwallah). (Plate 8 of 20). Date: 1813
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Media ID 7246369
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10578930
1813 Abroad Colonialism Dining Dinner Eating Life Style Meal Motion Punkah Regency Staff
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, titled 'English Family at Table under a Punkah' (Plate 8 of 20), dates back to 1813 and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of European families residing in colonial India during the Regency era. The scene is set in an elegant dining room, where a well-dressed English family enjoys their meal under the soothing coolness of a punkah, a traditional Indian fan kept in motion by a Khelassy, or punkahwallah, standing discreetly at the side. The father, dressed in a formal waistcoat and breeches, sits at the head of the table, while his wife, elegantly attired in a high-waisted gown and lace cap, serves the food to her husband and their children. The children, dressed in matching outfits, seem engrossed in their meal, while the punkahwallah maintains a watchful eye, ensuring the family's comfort. The punkah, a symbol of luxury and status in colonial India, was a common fixture in European households during this period. It provided relief from the sweltering heat and humidity, making dining an enjoyable experience. The presence of the punkahwallah, an Indian servant, underscores the power dynamics of colonialism, with the Europeans relying on their Indian staff to maintain their desired lifestyle. This image offers a fascinating insight into the social and cultural interactions between Europeans and Indians during the colonial era. The Regency era was a time of grandeur and opulence, and this scene beautifully encapsulates the lifestyle of the English families living abroad, surrounded by their Indian servants and the exotic surroundings of India.
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