Hunting trophies, 1901 (c)

Photograph, India, 1901 (c).

Hunting was a major pastime for both the British political and military elite of the Raj and the traditional Indian princes. Some of the great 'Shikar' expeditions lasted for weeks and bagged thousands of birds and animals. By the early 20th century excessive hunting of India's big cats had greatly reduced their populations.

One of ten photographs of No 9 Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, India, 1901 (c)-1903.