Bullocks of Elephant Battery, Jhansi
1884
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1884
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
You see two oxen hitched to a big gun on wheels, parked in a dusty courtyard. This photo was taken by an Indian photographer for British officials. It shows how the colonial army used animals to move heavy weapons. The oxen look calm, but the scene hints at the power—and cost—of British rule. If you like old photos of India, look up more work by Raja Deen Dayal (Indian, 1844–1905).
