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Horse Artillery at Bihar and Orissa

Amateur film surveying colonial life in eastern India

Amateur film 1928 10 mins Silent

Overview

This amateur film gives an idea of the routines among the colonial elite of eastern India, including military inspections, travel and social events. Sir Hugh Stephenson, Governor of Bihar and Orissa, is seen inspecting a parade at Dinapur, while the film also shows us a polo match, horse shows, and dog training and a musical ride of the Horse Artillery. The film also takes in Patna station and a visit to the Taj Mahal, in which the filmmaker takes a close interest.

The film is part of a collection shot by EJ Montgomery, a former military man who served in the Highland Light Infantry and then on the staff of the Governor from 1928 to 1932. The films were donated to the BFI National Archive in the early 1970s.