British Raj Movies

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

Richly detailed amateur ethnographic film on the agrarian economy and society in rural Punjab.

The Governor of Bengal and family - on and off duty.

Film showing the Viceregal party entering Delhi on lavishly decorated elephants, as part of the Coronation durbar of 1903.

Dignitaries including the Nizam of Hyderabad gather to celebrate the Durbar in honour of George V, who arrives by boat in Bombay.

Millions of Muslims flee to Lahore in the newly created state of Pakistan, prompted by the partition of British India.

The inauguration of a unit of the Indian Defence Force in Calcutta.

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

The thronging streets of Chennai in festive mood are captured by this lively amateur film.

The future Edward VIII enjoys receptions, playing polo and hunting tigers on his royal tour.

Hindu temples at Benares and Belur and the mythologies associated with them.

Indian high society enjoy themselves at a Calcutta garden party held to welcome the new Viceroy, Lord Irwin.

What’s the hidden message inside this intriguing film, shot at a Salvation Army establishment in western India?

The future Edward VIII enjoys a stately procession and visits the Taj Mahal before meeting senior Indian royalty.

Film of local events in Ajmer province including the fair at Pushkar.

A trip to the spectacular city of Bundi and a Kathakali dance performance, filmed in vivid colour.

A film produced to celebrate the coronation of George V as King-Emperor at the Imperial Durbar of 1911.

Girl guides on parade at a rally in southern India attended by Olave Baden-Powell.

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

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