This chromo-lithograph features an iconic image of Prinsep Ghat, a prominent riverside ghat located in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. The print, from the “Travels of India” collection, showcases the monumental architecture of the ghat, with its grand classical design and a row of large, imposing columns supporting a portico. The print’s detailed and delicate coloring highlights the architectural magnificence of the structure, which was built during the British colonial period as a tribute to James Prinsep, an eminent scholar and antiquary.

In the foreground, a horse-drawn carriage is visible, along with a few figures near the base of the structure. On the left, a ship can be seen docked, hinting at the ghat’s proximity to the river and its historical role as a center of trade and transportation. The print is indicative of the colonial era’s fascination with monumental structures and the blending of European architectural styles with Indian landscapes.

This image is not only an artistic representation but also a historical one, giving viewers a glimpse into the past of 19th-century Calcutta and its transformation during British rule. The lithograph bears the label “Prinsep’s Ghaut — Calcutta” along with its date, offering insight into the visual culture of the time, particularly how India was perceived and portrayed to European audiences.

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