Saumpareeah or Snake Catcher

This aquatint titled Saumpareeah or Snake Catcher by Sir Charles D’Oyly was published in a book consisting of twenty aquatints in 1813, titled ‘The European in India’. The purpose of the book was to introduce the reader to the lifestyle of a Company servant in a language that was instructive as well as amusing.

D’Oyly served in India from 1798 to 1838 as an East India Company servant and was posted in Calcutta, Dacca and Patna. His drawings reflect the popular imagery of India. This image shows a snake catcher or a ‘Saumpareeah’ who is playing an instrument and exhibiting snakes before the Europeans.