Story: Asia and New Zealand

The Imperial Indian Contingent at Rotorua, 1901

The Imperial Indian Contingent at Rotorua, 1901

The Imperial Indian Contingent was made up of troops from all the regiments, both Indian and British, in the Indian Army. In 1901 it toured Australia and New Zealand to reinforce the bonds of empire, and to mark the federation of Australia. India at this time was regarded as the 'jewel in the crown' of the British Empire. Many New Zealanders gained their main knowledge of India from the writings of popular English author Rudyard Kipling. In an era when few Indians lived in New Zealand, the exotic appearance of the Indian troops in the contingent attracted attention. In this photograph, the contingent observes a geyser at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: AWNS-19010301-8-1

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

David Capie, 'Asia and New Zealand - Early 20th-century fears', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/36225/the-imperial-indian-contingent-at-rotorua-1901 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by David Capie, published 20 Jun 2012