Who Was the First Photographer of India?

World Photography Day is a day celebrated on 19th August every year in remembrance of the history, evolution, and significance of photography. India has some interesting stories related to photography which date back to the 19th century when photography was introduced in India through cameras used by the British people.

The development of photography in India saw many pioneers of photography. Among them, Raja Deen Dayal (1844-1905) is recognized by historians as the first Indian photographer who developed his professional career as a photographer.

Who is the First Photographer of India?

Raja Deen Dayal is considered the first photographer in India since he is one of the earliest Indians to take photography from an interest to a full-time professional activity.

Deen Dayal was born in the year 1844. He started working as a surveyor for the British government. In 1874, he got interested in photography which started off as his hobby. However, the interest in photography grew on him and in 1885, he took a step further to make it his full-time career.

It did not take time before his skills got noticed and within a very short while, he became one of the topmost photographers of his time.

Raja Deen Dayal and the Hyderabad Royal Court

One of the greatest moments in the life of Deen Dayal was the appointment of himself as the court photographer to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad.

In this role, Dayal was given incredible opportunities to photograph members of royal families, nobles and personalities of India of that time, thus leaving behind invaluable visual legacy of the epoch.

Moreover, his work helped to popularize the art of photography as one of the great artistic and documentary medium in India.

Was Raja Deen Dayal the First Photographer in India?

Despite the fact that Raja Deen Dayal is often referred to as India’s first professional photographer, it is impossible to trace the identity of the first person who took pictures in India with the use of camera.

It is well-known from history that photography was introduced in India by Europeans. Names of Jules Leger and Josiah Rowe are mentioned in connection with this event.

Thus, it is crucial to make this distinction: Deen Dayal was recognized as the first Indian who popularized photography in India, not the first man who took a picture there.

When Did Photography Come to India?

The arrival of photography in India occurred in the mid-19th century mainly due to the efforts of Europeans, Brits, and Indian photographers.

Photographic processes of those days were much more complex compared to digital photography of today. One needed bulky equipment, chemicals and long exposure times to produce photographs. A lot of skills and patience were required to take photographs.

Thus, being costly and complex, photography was accessible to wealthy Indians, members of royalty and British government.

However, over time photography became easier which helped it spread.

What Were Photographers Recording in India?

Very soon photography became a powerful tool for capturing India’s people, architecture, landscape and history.

Photographers of that time were taking pictures of,

• Landmarks and architectural structures
• Portraits of maharajas and nobility
• British officials and administrators
• Indian landscapes and cities
• Religious places and cultures
• Situations related to some historical events
• Common scenes and customs

Photos of famous landmarks such as the Taj Mahal acquired special importance since they preserved visual records of India’s architectural treasures.