Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday launched the Delhi Government Calendar–2012 which features 12 photographs taken during the early era of photography.

The photographs in the calendar – titled “Delhi: Early Photography in the Capital” – show the journey of Delhi over the past 100 years. The calendar showcases photographs captured by local, State and European photographers who travelled to the city over a 100 years ago.

The images showcase photographers such as Bourne and Shepherd and Vernon and Co. that were established in Delhi at that time.  All images featured are from the Alkazi Collection of Photography.

Ms. Dikshit described the calendar as an unusual one as it also integrates the city's history. She said the calendar has been produced in the year when Delhi completes 100 years of its re-emergence as the Capital of India.



The photographs depict a century-long period – including the British era and life of people in and around Chandni Chowk. Ms. Dikshit said the calendar reminds one of Delhi's glory and its pride of place among the important cities of the world. The history of Delhi goes back to around 5000 years as it is understood that the capital of Pandavas -- Indrapastha -- also existed in Delhi, she added.

The pictures in the calendar depict the Lat of stone pillar and ruins of the Palace (1860), the Jama Masjid from the North Delhi (1865), Chandni Chowk (1865), Sunehari Masjid (1890), Chandni Chowk Bazaar (1865), Jama Masjid from Red Fort (1911), the Begum of Bhopal in 1911, Delhi Darbar, their Majesties entering the Fort 1911, Darbar Light Railway, Tis Hazari Station 1911-12, crowd at Jama Masjid 1903, the Coronation Darbar 1911 and the Kingsway 1911.