Wasudev Beggar

F. M. Coleman’s publication titled Typical Pictures of Indian Natives, first published in 1897, is a collection of hand-coloured photographs depicting costumes worn by Indians of various castes and occupations. These studio portraits were intended as souvenirs for travellers and the subjects were showcased wearing typical Indian costumes. Such hand painted studio portraits helped define a genre of popular imagery that were globally disseminated in the form of postcards. Wasudev are religious mendicants typical to Maharashtra, who walk the streets in the morning singing devotional songs. They are characterised by their conical hats decorated with peacock feathers and a musical instrument in their hands.