In the age of social media and digital photography, the selfie has become a universal form of self-expression. However, the origins of this cultural phenomenon can be traced back much further than the advent of smartphones and filters. In 1880, long before the era of Instagram and Snapchat, the king and queen of Tripura captured what is believed to be India's first 'selfie.' This historic moment, immortalised by Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya and Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini Devi, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of royalty and photography in 19th-century India.
The Pioneering Royals of Tripura
In 1880, Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya and Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini Devi of Tripura made history by capturing what is believed to be India's first 'selfie.' Despite the technological limitations of the time, these visionary royals embarked on a groundbreaking experiment with photography, setting the stage for a cultural phenomenon yet to come.
The Artistic Legacy of Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya and Maharani Khuman Chanu Manmohini Devi
Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya, renowned as the architect of modern Agartala, was not only a visionary ruler but also an enthusiastic photographer.
The Maharani was a contemporary royal photographer who choreographed her self-portraits with the Maharaja and was considered the first Indian woman who mastered the art of photography.
Their passion for the art form led to the organisation of the first-ever annual photographic exhibition within the palace premises, showcasing the burgeoning interest in photography among the elite class of 19th-century India. Under their reign, the foundation of Agartala Municipality in 1871 marked a significant step towards modernising the city, reflecting his progressive mindset and commitment to development.
The Ingenious Technique Behind India's First 'Selfie'
Utilizing the available technology of the time, Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya devised a clever method to capture the historic moment with his queen. By employing a special lever connected to a wire, the king could control the camera's shutter remotely, creating what can be considered a precursor to the modern selfie. This innovative approach not only reflects the couple's ingenuity but also highlights their contribution to the early development of photography in India.
In the 1800s, photography was still a relatively new and evolving technology. The most common photographic process during that time was the daguerreotype, which was invented by Louis Daguerre and introduced in 1839. The daguerreotype process produced unique images on polished silver-coated copper plates. To create a daguerreotype, a silver-coated copper plate was sensitized by exposing it to iodine vapours, forming a light-sensitive surface of silver iodide. This plate was then placed in a camera and exposed to light for an extended period, typically ranging from several seconds to minutes. The light exposure created a latent image on the plate. The plate was then developed by exposing it to mercury vapour, which made the latent image visible. After development, the image was fixed using a solution of sodium thiosulfate to stabilize it and prevent further light exposure. The finished daguerreotype was often gilded and protected behind glass. The process resulted in a detailed, one-of-a-kind image that captured moments in time with remarkable clarity.
So, now when you take a selfie with your phone today, you know how the king and queen from Tripura started this cool trend a long, long time ago.