Bheesties
About this artwork
This photograph is part of a series taken by the firm of Shepherd and Robertson for a book entitled 'The People of India' by Forbes Watson, published in 1868. The Bheesties are water sellers, and according to Watson the ones seen here are Muslim. Many of them served with the army and were highly regarded for their bravery in battle. 'They go into action with their corps, supplying water under the hottest fire. Many a wounded or dying soldier has been relieved in his agony of thirst by these gallant fellows'.
Updated before 2020
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artist:
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title:Bheesties
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date created:1862 - 1868
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materials:Albumen print
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measurements:17.90 x 21.40 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Gift of Mrs. Riddell in memory of Peter Fletcher Riddell 1985
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accession number:PGP R 882
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gallery:
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subject:
Charles Shepherd and Arthur Robertson
Charles Shepherd and Arthur Robertson
The photographic firm of Shepherd and Robertson was established at Agra in 1862. Samuel Bourne joined it in 1864 when it had moved to Simla. The firm, later called Howard, Shepherd and Bourne continued until 1870. The studio specialised predominantly in images with an anthropological and...