View of a canal of the Dal lake near Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India 1864 - 1865

This photograph captures a canal of the Dal Lake near Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India, and was taken by Samuel Bourne. As a British photographer working in the 19th century, Bourne's images provide a glimpse into the colonial gaze and the representation of India during that period. Bourne's photographs, while technically impressive, were often framed to evoke a sense of the exotic, catering to Western audiences' expectations and fantasies. It invites reflection on the power dynamics inherent in the act of photographing another culture and the potential for misrepresentation. The picture presents an image of serene beauty that elides the complex socio-political realities of British-controlled India. The calm, still waters might invite a sense of peace, but it’s important to consider the historical context in which it was produced. These images circulated widely, shaping perceptions and contributing to a narrative of colonial authority and exoticism. As viewers, we’re called to consider what is included and what is left out, what stories are told and what histories are silenced.