Gezicht op het portaal van de Muhafiz Khan-moskee in Ahmedabad before 1866

This is a photograph of the Muhafiz Khan Mosque in Ahmedabad, taken by Thomas Biggs. The image allows us to consider the public role of art, and the politics of imagery, within the context of British colonialism in India. The photograph captures the mosque's portal, emphasizing its architectural details and grandeur. The Mosque, built in the 15th century, reflects a fusion of Islamic and local Gujarati styles. This visual representation served multiple purposes during the colonial era. It documented architectural heritage and also asserted the photographer's, and by extension the British Empire’s, authority over the land and its cultural assets. Understanding this photograph requires us to reflect on the photographer's background, the historical context of British colonialism, and the ways in which images were used to shape perceptions of India. Such research helps us appreciate the complex interplay between art, power, and cultural identity.