The Delhi Durbar
THE CORONATION DURBAR AT DELHI
December 12th, 1911
NOW is reached the climax of the great series of military spectacles and magnificent ceremonials of which Delhi had been the centre for more than a week. At noon on December 12th, Their Imperial Majesties held the great Proclamation Durbar, at which, amid scenes of unrivalled splendour, the momentous announcement was made that the Capital of India would be henceforth, not Calcutta, but Delhi with its age-long history. The amphitheatre in which the ceremony took place was at least a mile across. It was semi-circular in shape, and was enclosed on the far side by enormous mounds, or tiers of seats, said to be capable of accommodating between 60,000 and 70,000. In the KINEMACOLOR series, thanks to the wonderful clarity of the photography, these crowded stands may be easily distinguished, and they add in no small measure to the impressiveness of the scene. As reproduced by KINEMACOLOR the mound occupied by spectators resembles a Dutch tulip garden, owing to the great variety of colors of the turbans of the natives. Opposite these tiers was a large pavilion, also semi-circular, capable of seating 12,000 spectators. Ten or twenty yards in front was the Shamiana connected by a raised platform with the Royal Pavilion, which was situated in the centre of the Amphitheatre. The whole of the vast space between Was filled with soldiery representing not merely every arm of the service. but every corps in India, whether regular or volunteer. More than 30,000 men were massed in the tremendous arena. The massed bands alone numbered 2,000 performers. So great was the military force assembled that (says an observer) when the officers shouted out the words of command it sounded as though a mob had somehow got into the enclosure and were rending the air with their cries. This force, however, was only a part of the soldiery participating in the day's ceremonials. The entire length of the route (some three miles) between the King-Emperor's camp and the Amphitheatre was lined by troops on both sides. Truly the Coronation Durbar afforded an impressive demonstration of the pomp and power of the British Empire, and one the equal of which has probably never before been witnessed in the history of the world.
Synopsis - Part I
1. Scenes During the Arrival of Troops
Bluejackets from the S.S. Medina, and guests arriving for the Durbar. The bluejackets march by at close quarters. Here we are able to observe the distribution
of the troops. They are arranged in regular geometrical figures, a solid mass of men in khaki being fringed by men in red tunics, thus affording an effective contrast. It is easier also, because of this arrangement, to get an idea of the immense number of troops on the field.
2. The Canopy of the Shamiana
This is a magnificent example of color photography showing with a clearness that would be impossible by any other means the gorgeous decoration of the Shamiana.
The crimson velvet hangings are fringed with gold, and heavy golden decorations may be seen, in spite of being in the shadow, on the ceiling of the pavilion.
3. Arrival of the Mutiny Veterans
Here is a sight that must make the blood of every patriotic citizen run faster in his veins. A crowd of venerable men, some in uniform and some in everyday clothes, and all wearing medals, advance slowly towards the camera. They are veterans of the Mutiny of 1857. As they come nearer it is seen that whites and Indians are equally intermingled. It is a profoundly thrilling scene, and one that makes a powerful appeal to the imagination. The depth and stereoscopic quality of the picture greatly helps the sense of actuality as this splendid procession slowly passes. The strains of “The Old Brigade” were played meanwhile.
4. The Black Watch-Guard of Honour taking
their position at the Royal Pavilion. A fine picture of troops in movement. The Scottish Regiment, led by a band of pipers, advances towards the camera and another company of Highlanders, preceded by a "wee Scot," ascends a dais in the background. The perfect marching order cannot fail to strike the onlooker.
5. Their Excellencies the Governor~General and Lady Hardinge
leaving King's Camp. Arrival at the Durbar. Lord and Lady Hardinge are seen in their carriage with an escort of one regiment of British Cavalry and one regiment of Indian Cavalry. In following their arrival the camera gives an effective panorama of the scene. Their Excellencies take up their positions on the Shamiana.
6. Their Imperial Majesties Leaving King's Camp
Three Household Cavalry N.C.O.'s lead the way and then the Royal carriage appears and draws up. Their Majesties enter, and as they are driven away a good portrait view is obtained. The gorgeous gold-embroidered State umbrella is in evidence. This is the first view obtained of Their Imperial Majesties wearing their crowns and robes.
7. In Addition to Two Equerries on Horseback,
Their Majesties are attended by an escort composed of the "N" Battery, R.H.A., the 10th Hussars, the Governor-General's bodyguard in scarlet and gold, the
Imperial Cadet Corps, resplendent in blue white and gold, and the 18th Indian Lancers (King George's Own).
8. Artillery Firing Salutes
A view is interspersed at this point showing the artillery firing salutes on the departure of Their Majesties. The surroundings are of a sandy nature, against which the puffs of white smoke from the cannon are in effective contrast.
9. The Royal Procession Entering the Amphitheatre
Following the sweep of the camera over the lines of troops, we see in the distance the Royal cortege approaching The Governor-General's Bodyguard lead the way, then come the three representatives of the Household Cavalry and the Royal carriage, drawn by four horses, and following it the Imperial Cadet Corps.
10. The Royal Standard Unfurled
A magnificent picture showing the golden folds of the Royal Standard being flung to the breeze against a background of blue sky flecked with feathery clouds. All the details of the flag are perfectly reproduced and it is easy to see that its texture is of silk.
11. The Royal Carriage
crossing the roadway before drawing up at the Shamiana.
Part II
12. Their Imperial Majesties, the King and Queen Entering the Arena
Here we have an opportunity of seeing the King and Queen more clearly. The King is wearing a robe of Imperial ermine and a surcoat of purple, white satin breeches and silk stockings, with the collars of the Orders of the Garter and the Star of India and the Star of the latter Order. The Imperial Crown consists of a band of diamonds, studded with large emeralds and sapphires, with rubies in the centre, and a cap of purple velvet turned up with ermine.
13. The Queen's Dress
The Queen is wearing a white satin dress of gold roses, thistles and shamrocks, with a border of lotus flowers. The Star of India is embroidered on the front of the dress. Her Majesty's robe is of purple velvet trimmed with ermine and a border of gold braid, and she wears the Orders of the Garter and the Crown of India.
14. The Royal Salute
with the color, by the Guard of Honour of the Black Watch and all the troops present.
15. Preparations for the Reception
of Their Majesties. Arrival of the Imperial Procession at the Shamiana. First the Governor-General's Bodyguard, every man of which is over six feet in height. The three representatives at the Household Cavalry, who will guard the approaches to the Imperial thrones. The Foot Guards also are represented by a serjeant of the King's Company, the 1st Battalion of the Grenadiers, who may be seen on the steps of the Royal Pavilion. At exactly twelve o'clock the Imperial carriage reins in at the Shamiana. The Governor-General, with Lady Hardinge, staff and suite, receives Their Majesties at the foot of the crimson-carpeted stairway.
16. The High Officials and Ruling Chiefs
doing homage. This portion of the ceremony, which lasted for over an hour, is presented in considerable detail, although much condensed from considerations of time. First the Governor-General and his Executive Council ascend the steps of the Shamiana, bow to Their Majesties and retreat backwards. Following them is a wonderful sequence of Oriental figures, all magnificent, though some, to Western eyes, perhaps a little incongruous in appearance.
17. The Homage Ceremony
The following details with regard to this ceremony will be of interest. The first to ascend the steps is the Governor-General, who is the only one privileged to kiss the hand of the Sovereign. Then come the seven members of his Executive Council, led by the Commander-in-Chief. Following is the homage by the Ruling Chiefs, including the Maharajahs of Kashmir and Jhaipur; the Maharajah of Udaipur, coming from and returning to his place behind the throne as specially appointed Chief-in-waiting to His Majesty. Each lays his sword before the Imperial throne; Rulers from ever quarter of the Indian Empire, including the Begum of Bhopal and the interesting personalities of Sikkim and Bhutan; Ruling Chiefs from Central India, Beluchistan, the Punjab, Assam and Burmah, and from every distant Province and Centre, all attend in their proper order of precedence.
18. Leaving the Shamiana
Their Imperial Majesties rise from their thrones beneath the Shamiana and pass to the Royal Pavilion; their trains are gathered up by the Royal pages - Indian princes in native costumes - and they advance hand in hand to the Royal Pavilion, golden umbrellas being held over their heads. At this point the massed bands struck up the new Coronation March composed special1y for the Durbar ceremony.
19. Following Their Majesties
are the Governor-General and Lady Hardinge, the Minister-in-Attendance, His
Highness the Duke of Teck and members of the Royal suite.
20. The Procession to the Pavilion
Their Majesties pass out from beneath the Shamiana and cross, hand in hand, to the great central Pavilion, about a hundred yards distant. This is a magnificent white marble-like structure with a four-fold dais, on which are the twin thrones, surmounted by a gorgeous canopy on slender gilt pillars. The Imperial Procession ascends the steps of the platforms. On the lowest are the Guards of Honour, facing inwards; natives on the left, the Black Watch on the right, of the Procession. On the second platform the Imperial suite remains behind. On the next, Lord and Lady Hardinge and Lord Crewe; the Duchess of Devonshire and Lord Durham; and other members of the Household, who will remain right and left of the final dais. The fourth platform Their Majesties ascend alone save for the Royal pages, who remain grouped about the steps of the throne.
20. Magnificently Caparisoned Trumpeters,
British and Native, are now summoned by a signal given by the bands; the prevailing color of their uniform is gold. They ride up to the Royal Pavilion, and drawing up in fine style, sound a fanfare in front of the thrones.
Part III
21. Reading the Royal Proclamation
This was done by the Delhi Herald, General Peyton, in English, followed by a translation in Urdu by the native Assistant Herald. The first thing to strike the attention in this section is the picture of the beautiful golden canopy of the Pavilion
with which it opens.
22. A Single Figure Ascends the Steps
of the Pavilion. He is the Governor-General and is about to read the proclamation of certain boons and concessions now to be granted to the Indian people.
23. The Trumpeters Sound a Flourish,
the massed bands play the National Anthem, and the whole of the troops come to
the "present." A salute of 101 guns is immediately commenced.
24. A Tremendously Inspiriting Scene
is next witnessed. The 30,000 troops give three cheers for the King and then three for the Queen. The huzzas are caught up by the 12,000 spectators, re-echoed in the distance by the 60,000 people who throng the mound, and again taken up by the 200,000 natives outside the Amphitheatre. A panorama of the troops at this point. as they wave their helmets in time to their cheers, is most realistic.
25. As the Royal Procession Leaves the Pavilion
the new march is repeated by the bands.
26. Panorama of the Amphitheatre Taken During the Ceremony
This shows admirably the extent of the ground occupied and the massing of the
troops. A fine view of the Royal Pavilion is also given.
27. The Trumpeters now Appear
and Their Majesties are seen leaving, over them being waved the white, flowing chowries and the club-like morchals or conventionalised peacock feather fans symbolic of Imperial rule. These give an impressive Oriental touch to the scene.
28. Firing the Salute of 101 Guns
During all this time the salute of guns is proceeding and here we see native Artillery-men working with mechanical precision. The interval between each
gun is ten seconds.
29. The Departure of the Royal Party
The troops leaving the Amphitheatre.
30. A Wonderful Scene
is the departure of the Indian Princes. A group of them descends some steps near one of the KINEMACOLOR cameras and the gorgeous colors of their magnificent
robes are shown with marvellous realism. The sheen of the silk, the splendour of cloth of gold, and of decorations and orders of all kinds is reproduced exactly as
in life, forming one of the most perfect examples of color-photography extant.
No. 507 Code "Cepinho" 3,240 feet
Supplied only in its entirety (Three Reels)