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Cutting indigo into cakes, 1877 (albumen silver print)
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Cutting indigo into cakes, 1877 (albumen silver print)
3617945 Cutting indigo into cakes, 1877 (albumen silver print) by Mallitte, Oscar Jean Baptiste (c.1829-1905); J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA; (add.info.: Plate 17 from The Planting & Manufacture of Indigo in India 29 Photographic views, Allahabad 1877
)
Media ID 25159780
© Bridgeman Images
Allahabad Attar Pradesh Behar Bihar British Empire British Imperialism Cakes Crop Cultivation Dried Indigo Langot Loincloth Manufacture Oscar Mallitte Plantation Planting Squatting
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The captivating photograph captures a significant moment in the history of indigo production in India. Taken in 1877 by Oscar Jean Baptiste Mallitte, this albumen silver print showcases the meticulous process of cutting indigo into cakes. The image transports us to a colonial factory where native workers can be seen squatting on the ground, their loincloths contrasting against the dried indigo plants surrounding them. This photo is not just a documentation of agriculture but also represents British imperialism and its impact on Indian commerce. It symbolizes the power dynamics between the British Empire and its colony as well as the exploitation of indigenous resources for industrial purposes. The plantation scene depicted here reflects an era when India was known for its cultivation and manufacture of indigo dye, which played a crucial role in global trade during that time. The image highlights both the labor-intensive nature of this industry and the resilience of Indian workers who toiled under challenging conditions. Mallitte's composition skillfully captures every detail – from the turbaned workers engrossed in their task to the sprawling indigo plantation stretching out behind them. This photograph serves as a visual testament to an important chapter in India's agricultural and industrial history, reminding us of how art can preserve moments that shaped nations.
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