Gods in Shackles

Fashionably attired folk attend the races in Kolkata.

Scenes from a lavish pageant held during the royal visit to India, celebrating King George V’s coronation.

Aristocracy, army, elephants and more mark the start of the 1903 Durbar.

Stately scenes in India, likely filmed during the 1903 Delhi Durbar.

Jahan Jahan Charan Pade Raghuvar Ke (English title: Footprints of Lord Rama in His 14 Years Exile) is a 26-episode documentary web series retracing the 14-year Van Gaman of Lord Shri Ram as described in the Ramayana. The series follows the sacred route from Ayodhya to Lanka, documenting over 200 historically and culturally significant sites across India. Filmed on real locations rather than studio recreations, it captures authentic rivers, forests, caves and ashrams linked to Rama’s exile. The first phase covers Ayodhya, Shringverpur, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot, including Ram Ghat, Kamadgiri, Gupt Godavari, Sharbhanga Ashram, Suteekshan Ashram and Viradh Kund. Upcoming schedules extend through Dandakaranya (Chhattisgarh), Panchvati (Nashik), Kishkindha (Hampi) and Dhanushkodi. Produced by Pomy Films, the series is hosted and directed by international award-winning filmmaker Sunil Babbar, blending spiritual reflection with on-ground historical documentation.

Rural life in the mountainous valley near Gilgit - now in the Northern areas of Pakistan.

The race is on - for the Viceroy's Cup.

Lady Pamela Lytton, wife of the Governor of Bengal, visits the grand marble Victoria Memorial in Calcutta.

The Duke rides an elephant as he ventures on safari in Bengal.

Armoured elephants, sacred monkeys and a camel carriage from Rajasthan.

The timber trade calls on animal help.

A state welcome for a Handley Page aircraft arriving in Kolkata.

An elephantine spectacle, likely part of the celebrations for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to India.

Traditional games, dancing and music among the people of Sikkim - in vivid colour.

The future Edward VIII opens a durbar and enjoys a day at the races before inspecting the fire brigade in Calcutta.

Arresting early film images of both northern India and central and south western China.

A stunning display by Nyishi tribesmen from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India.

Life in the bustling Punjabi city of Rawalpindi before partition.

This travelogue takes in some of the most important landmarks of Islamic power in India.

Luscious colour photography of the Taj Mahal and a Mediterranean cruise to Port Said.