Orphan School, Calcutta 1850s

This photograph, “Orphan School, Calcutta,” was taken by Captain R. B. Hill. While the date of the photograph is unknown, we can contextualize the image within the history of British colonialism in India. This image of the Orphan School is more than a simple architectural study; it speaks volumes about the intersection of power, charity, and colonial control. The school itself, built in the European style, stands as a symbol of British influence and the imposition of Western values on Indian society. The very existence of an "orphan school" suggests a disruption of traditional family structures, perhaps exacerbated by colonial policies and economic exploitation. Consider the implied narratives of the children within its walls: Who were these orphans? What cultural identities did they carry, and how were those identities shaped or suppressed within the institution? What emotional landscapes are suggested by their displacement? By viewing this photograph, we are confronted with the complex legacies of colonialism. It serves as a reminder of the human stories often obscured by grand historical narratives.