Houseboating in Waltair

The Uzielli family takes to the water in Visakhapatnam, southern India

Waltair was the British name for Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, southern India. This film shot by civil servant Herbert R. Uzielli shows the grand lifestyle enjoyed by some under the Raj. A native, waist-deep in the water, helps set off the saheb's houseboat, as the memsaab relaxes on the banks and waves at the camera. Canals and railways are inspected, and tribal women, who wear saris without blouses, pose in a line like specimens; even majestic elephants are ordered to perform for the camera. Meenakshi Shedde