The British Council Movies

Aristocracy, army, elephants and more mark the start of the 1903 Durbar.

Scenes from a lavish pageant held during the royal visit to India, celebrating King George V’s coronation.

A film produced to celebrate the coronation of George V as King-Emperor at the Imperial Durbar of 1911.

Indian elephants in action as working animals and in hunting.

Gorgeously dreamlike colour images of (then) French India – present-day Puducherry.

The future Edward VIII enjoys receptions, playing polo and hunting tigers on his royal tour.

Accompany a couple on their visit to a local wildlife park.

The Duke rides an elephant as he ventures on safari in Bengal.

Lord Lytton takes up the post of Governor of Bengal.

Film of local events in Ajmer province including the fair at Pushkar.

Snapshots of colonial life around Tamil Nadu, plus a visit to the Toda tribe.

Two sides of Mysore: down to earth with the field workers and an Indian spectacle for the Maharaja.

Amateur shots of pilgrims and temples at Haridwar, followed by rural scenes and the Gorrie family at home.

This official travelogue of a royal tour follows the Prince on a series of regimental displays and a tiger hunt.

Romantic, atmospheric travelogue capturing some of northern India’s most iconic places – not least the Taj Mahal.

An elephantine spectacle, likely part of the celebrations for the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to India.

The future Edward VIII visits his Empire, with Indian royalty, elephants, palaces and temples.

The future Edward VIII enjoys a stately procession and visits the Taj Mahal before meeting senior Indian royalty.

Armoured elephants, sacred monkeys and a camel carriage from Rajasthan.

Stately scenes in India, likely filmed during the 1903 Delhi Durbar.