MONUMENTS OF INDIA: THREE BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS... Lot 76

MONUMENTS OF INDIA: THREE BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF GWALIOR'S ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARKS AN EYE FOR DETAIL: PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE ESTATE IN NORTHERN LONDON Raja Lala Deen Dayal (Indian Photographer, 1844 – 1905), Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, ca. 1880s Comprising three albumen silver prints showcasing different archaeological and architectural landmarks of Gwalior including sculptural reliefs preserved at the Teli ka Mandir, an 8th - 9th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and the Matrikas located within the Gwalior Fort; and two views of the makbara (mausoleum) of Muhammad Ghous, one from the courtyard with its characteristic sloping roof and geometric jali screens, and the latter of the steps leading to the mausoleum's inner chamber, each print signed 'DD' and numbered respectively 3203, 3206, and 3499, mounted, glazed and framed, each 38.5cm x 42cm including the frame. Raja Lala Deen Dayal is considered one of the most prominent Indian photographers of the 19th century. His career as a commissioned photographer did not start until the mid-1870s; but by his passing, he had set up studios in Indore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. After gaining great popularity among British citizens for his photographs of the 1875 - 1876 Royal Tour of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Lepel Griffin requested Deen Dayal to join him on his journey through the central regions of India (Bundelkhand) in 1880s, to photograph and record the local ancient architecture and archaeological sites. This experience yielded a portfolio of 86 photographs, known as "Famous Monuments of Central India".