Kashmiri Giants: what did the maharaja's huge guards look like

In 1903, a darbar was held in Delhi, India, an event in honor of the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. A magnificent celebration was arranged by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, however, the king himself refused the event. It was decided to arrange a mass performance, at which the American traveler and photographer James Rickalton noticed two unusually large and tall security guards. Later they received a well – known name-the Kashmiri giants.

In the late 19th – early 20th century, a special event was held in the Indian city of Delhi – darbar. The large-scale holiday marked the coronation of the kings and queens of the United Kingdom, and was held three times – in 1877, 1903 and 1911. The first darbar was organized on the occasion of the proclamation of Queen Victoria as the Empress of India.

Kashmiri Giants with the traveler, Professor James Rickalton, 1903

In 1903, a darbar was held in honor of the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The king himself refused to attend it, but all the Indian maharajas and English officials of high rank in India participated there. The Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, arranged a luxurious two-week celebration with processions on elephants and an exhibition of the largest collection of precious stones.

One of the maharajas, who came from Indian Kashmir, had two giant guards, who were also difficult to miss. The men who looked like giants were truly heroes. The height of one of them was 2.36 meters, the second-2.23 meters. According to various sources, they were twin brothers and served as shooters for the maharaja.

One one of them was James Rickalton, an American traveler and photographer, who was one of the first to get acquainted with the giants.The event was also attended by international journalists and photographers, one of whom was James Rickalton, an American traveler and photographer who was one of the first to get acquainted with the giants. He took several photos with them – next to the "Kashmiri giants", the photographer of average height looks small. Thanks to Rikalton, millions of people have learned about the Kashmiri brothers.