Ancient India

Short documentary on India

From dawn till dusk in the bohemian heart of London’s West End. This 1979 portrait of the people and places of Soho catches the neighbourhood towards the end of an era. There's some great footage inside an Italian delicatessen and of assorted street characters. It's a fascinating glimpse into this walled garden of cosmopolitan life on the cusp of the gentrification and commercial interests that have since broken its borders.

This travelogue takes in some of the most important landmarks of Islamic power in India.

Luscious colour photography of the Taj Mahal and a Mediterranean cruise to Port Said.

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

Girl guides on parade at a rally in southern India attended by Olave Baden-Powell.

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

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

The timber trade calls on animal help.

A state welcome for a Handley Page aircraft arriving in Kolkata.

The race is on - for the Viceroy's Cup.

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

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

Rural life in the mountainous valley near Gilgit - now in the Northern areas of Pakistan.

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

Fashionably attired folk attend the races in Kolkata.

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

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

Traditional games, dancing and music among the people of Sikkim - in vivid colour.

The future Edward VIII opens a durbar and enjoys a day at the races before inspecting the fire brigade in Calcutta.