Coronation Durbar (Darbar), Delhi, 1903

This photograph shows congregational prayer in the courtyard of the Jami Masjid (also known as the Jumma Masjid or Friday Mosque) in Delhi on Eid al-Fitr. This Muslim festival celebrates the end of the thirty-day fast during Ramadan. Both men and women are present, their spaces separated by the tent panel in the foreground. A closer look at the picture shows the prayer leader (imam) standing on an elevated structure in front of the building's central arch in order that the congregants can follow along with him. The variety of the male worshipers' headgear and costumes indicates the diversity of India's large Muslim population. Also noteworthy here is the photographers' technical skill, which resulted in crisp, clear architectural details and a wide range of tones from highlight to shadow. This photograph was the last image included in the 1903 coronation album. The Muslim festival occurred on New Year's Day in 1903, coinciding with the second day of the coronation festivities.