[Campbell Twins in a Shigram, Governor General's Camp] 1858 - 1861

Jean Baptiste Oscar Mallitte created this photograph, “[Campbell Twins in a Shigram, Governor General's Camp]”, using a salted paper print. Mallitte made this image during a period of intense colonial activity in India, shaping how we interpret this photograph today. The twins, likely children of British officials, are pictured inside what is called a “shigram”, a carriage, highlighting the privileged lifestyle enjoyed by the British elite in India. The presence of local Indian workers, seen here caring for the oxen, underscores the racial and class dynamics inherent in the colonial system. These workers facilitated the comfort and mobility of the colonizers. While seemingly a simple portrait, this photograph encapsulates the complex layers of power, identity, and representation present during the British Raj. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories intertwined with the broader narrative of colonial history.