Tombe van Mahmud Begada op Sarkhej Roza bij Ahmedabad before 1866

This is Thomas Biggs' photograph of the Tomb of Mahmud Begada at Sarkhej Roza, near Ahmedabad. Considered through a colonial lens, the image reflects the complex power dynamics inherent in the British presence in India. Biggs, as a British photographer, documented Indian architecture, contributing to a visual archive that served both aesthetic and colonial purposes. This documentation reflects a Western gaze, framing and interpreting Indian culture for a European audience, which underscores the themes of cultural representation, and the power dynamics of the time. The photograph captures the architectural details and the cultural significance of the tomb, offering a glimpse into the historical narrative of the region. Sarkhej Roza itself is a synthesis of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, reflecting the religious and cultural interactions that shaped Gujarat. Through Bigg’s lens, we see not just a building, but a convergence of histories, identities, and power relations, captured in a single, enduring image.