The Imperial Durbar. Delhi Proclamation Day Jan 1, 1877

The proclamation of Queen Victoria’s assumption of the title of ‘Kaiser e Hind’, or ‘Empress of India’, was read on 1st January 1877 at a site that is known today as the Coronation Park. This photograph was taken by the well-known American commercial photographer John Edward Saché who had been working in India since 1864. The official historian of the event, James Talboys Wheeler, observed: ‘Three structures had been set up, namely, a Throne Pavilion for the Viceroy, an Amphitheatre for the High Officials and Ruling Chiefs, and blocks for Representatives of Foreign Governments and spectators.’