Oblong Folio (ca. 32 x 25.5 cm or 12 ½ x 10 in). 30 cardstock leaves. 247 gelatin silver photographs from ca. 10.5 x 8 cm (4 ¼ x 3 in) to 8.5 x 6 cm (3 ¼ x 2 ½ in). Most images with period pencil captions on mounts. Period tan full cloth album with blind-stamped title “Photographs” on front board. Album rubbed on extremities; one mount detached from spine, several mounts partially detached from spine, but overall a very good album of strong interesting photos.

An interesting collection of 247 original gelatin silver amateur photographs of southern India, showing regions that are now part of the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, including the cities of Madura (Madurai), Mysore (Mysuru), Salem, Trichinopoly (Triuchirappalli), and Bangalore. The compiler of this album was likely the grandson of George Frederick Fischer (1805-1867), Zamindar of Salem (a major city in the modern-day state of Tamil Nadu). The term zamindar was introduced during the Mughal Empire and denoted a position similar to that of a feudal lord. During the British Raj, the title was used for any landowner with significant properties. The zamindari (land holdings) were typically hereditary. Fischer acquired the title after the former zamindar put the properties associated with the title to auction, making him one of few zamindars of European descent. Some time after his death, the title of Zamindar of Salem was passed to his grandson, George Frederick Fischer Foulkes (1867-1946).

Over 30 photographs show estates, including one in Salem, likely owned by the Fischers; “The Retreat” and the “Gompetz house”  in the hill station of Yercaud, near Salem; “Bertie’s house” in Shembaganur, Kodikanal, a hill station near Madura; Mysore Palace, completed in 1912 (including the Maharaja’s private zoo); “Howard’s house” in Mysore; and “Laura’s bungalow” in Coimbatore. Some photographs also show graves in the “Yercaud cemetery” (“Katie Gompetz,” “Father,” “Mary”) and “Fischer gardens” (“Uncle Robert”).

There are also over 50 photographs showing sites in Madura (Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and Temple), Mysore (Chamundeshwari Temple, Jamia Masjid Mosque), Trichinopoly (Rock Fort Temple), and Bangalore. One photograph shows a “Hindu procession” in Coimbatore. Another shows a small Hindu temple in a forest. Other photographs show environs, including that of Salem, Kodikanal, and Coimbatore, as well as the Cardamom Hills.

Of note are two portraits of the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, in state robes. Several photographs also show a temple manager, temple goers, the old servant of the compiler’s uncle, villagers, hunting guides, ox-cart drivers. Three photographs also show Jewish Indians, along with the “Jewish Quarter” and a synagogue.

Several photographs show the friends and family of the compiler; some are identified in the captions (“Edward Stevenson & Connie,” “my great grandfather Cornel [sic] Fischer,” “Bertie,” “Miss Suddaby,” etc.).

15 photographs are from hunts the compiler went on, in Kodikanal, the Cardamom Hills, and Coimbatore.

49 photographs at the rear of the album are of Egypt, showing architectural and archeological sites of Cairo, banks of the Nile, street scenes, and local people.

Overall, an interesting collection showing estates in southern India during British rule in the early 20th century.