HARI SINGH, THAKUR

Neg. No: GP (L) 1307 A

Neg. Size: 15"x12"

Neg. Date: 29-06-1897

Sitter: Thakur Hari Singh of Jodhpur. [India]

 

Image published in The Lafayette Studio
and Princely India, Roli Books, New Delhi

Image published in:

RB va

n Wart, The Life of Lieut.-General His Highness Sir Pratap Singh, London, 1926, opp p 86
Sir Pratap and Thakur Hari Singh (Harji) about 1880
Photog: Govindram Oodeyram, Jaipur

Occasion: Visit to Britain for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.⁽²⁾

Location: The Lafayette Studio, 179, New Bond Street, London, W.

Descr: FL standing.

Costume: Full dress uniform of the Jodhpur Imperial Service Lancers [Rank unknown].⁽³⁾

"Thakur Hari Singh, one of India''s top polo players,⁽⁴⁾ is seen here in the full dress uniform of the Jodhpur Imperial Cadet Corps. Previously, the only known images of Hari Singh in military uniform have been found in The Army and Navy Illustrated of 1902.⁽⁵⁾ The Times⁽⁶⁾ reported that he accompanied his Commanding Officer, Sir Pertab Singh, to the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in London, and it was then that this plate was made. The medal worn by Hari Singh appears to be the India Medal 1895-1902. However, the Jodhpur Lancers were awarded this medal for services on the North West Frontier later than the Jubilee celebrations. It must therefore be the India General Service Medal 1854-1895, and, as such, could be the first instance of Indian State Forces having been awarded this medal."⁽⁷⁾

Decorations: India General Service Medal 1854-1895, with clasp, probably Hazara 1891.

Furnishings and Props: Painted backdrop; studio balustra

de; studio Persian rug.

Photographer: The firm of J. Lafayette, 179 New Bond Street, London, W.

Evidence of photographer at work: -

No of poses: 1.

Copyright: V&A

All images on this site are copyright V&A. For further information on using or requesting copies of any images please contact the V&A Picture Library: vaimages@vam.ac.uk including the URL of the relevant page

References:

Biog: The Navy and Army Illustrated, 1 March 1902, p 588 & 22 March 1902 p 11; Lt.-Col. H. deB. deLisle, Polo in India, Bombay, 1907, p 199; Lt.-Col. H de B de Lisle, Polo in India. Bombay, 1907, p 199; R.B. van Wart, The Life of Lieut.-General H.H. Sir Pratap Singh, London, 1926, passim.

Occasion: The Times, 29 June 1897, p 8b & 1 July 1897, p 6b.

Costume: Major F. Macmunn, The Armies of India, London, 1911, p 180 (illustration).

Decorations: A.R. Litherland & B.T. Simpkin, Spinks Standard Catalogue of British and Associated Orders, Decorations & Medals, London, 1990, p 94; see also: Russell Harris, "The Lafayette Project" in Durbar, Journal of the Indian Military Collectors Society, Volume 9, No 1, Spring 1992, pp 25-26.

Reproduced: -

Additional Information: -

Acknowledgements: (Biography, Uniform & Medal information) Anthony N. McClenaghan, Editor, Durbar Magazine. (Costume) Rosemary Crill, Indian Department, V&A.

1. R.B. van Wart, The Life of Lieut.-General H.H. Sir Pratab Singh, London, 1926, [in 1900 Thakur Hari Singh was in Shanghai with Sir Pratab to participate in the China campaign] [p 126]

On the return march Thakur hari Singh gave a much-needed lesson in chivalry to some of the Cossacks, who had caught some Chinese women and stripped them of their clothes. Luckly Hari Singh arrived on the scene, remonstrated forcibly, and insisted on the return of the clothes to the women. At this juncture General Reid appeared, and after soundly rating the offenders, remarked of Hari Singh's conduct: "That was true manliness indeed."

2. R.B. van Wart, op cit, pp 110-111: "In 1897 Sir Pratab visited England again to represent Jodhpur at the Diamond Jubliee... Sir Pratab was again accompanied by Thakurs Hari Singh and Dhokal Singh..."

3. His coat is embroidered with gold threat in Kashmiri style. His patka (sash) is also Kashmiri although he is from Jodhpur. The sash is of wool, probably red or blue, with an end embroidered with long botehs and wth small floral decoration along the edges. His turban is a typical Rajput style and has a flowing tail hanging down his back.

4. R.B. van Wart, op cit, p 103 & Lt.-Col. H. deB. deLisle, Polo in India, Bombay, 1907, p 199.

5. 1 March, p 588 & 22 March, p 11.

6. 29 June 1897, p 8 & 1 July 1897, p 6.

7. "The Lafayette Project" in Durbar, Journal of the Indian Military Collectors Society, Volume 9, No 1, Spring 1992, pp 25-26

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