The State Entry into Delhi (from the album ‘The Coronation Durbar Delhi 1903’)

The Durbar of 1903 at Delhi was not just an imperial display of pomp and grandeur, but a political attempt by the British to suggest its own continuities with the earlier, predominant Mughal culture of public ceremonies. It was an elaborate ceremony, with a grand procession that was led by high-ranking British officials followed by the rulers of Indian princely states. This photograph shows the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Gaekwad of Baroda during their State Entry. The State Entry inspired a lot of enthusiasm among the crowd of sightseers due to its display of wealth and magnificence.