Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Kolkata Photo Studio: A Historic Witness to India's Independence
Imagine a photo studio in India that was around during the fight for freedom!
D. Ratan & Co.
was started in 1915 by a man who wanted everyone, not just the rich, to have photos taken.
His family took pictures of important events like rallies and meetings during the fight for independence.
The studio even got in trouble with the British for showing the truth in photos.
After India won its freedom, the studio took pictures of famous actors and movies.
Even though taking photos has changed a lot, this studio is still around, reminding everyone of the past.
D. Ratan & Co., a Kolkata photo studio, documented India's pre- and post-Independence history.
Founded in 1915 by Ratan Krishna Dey, it provided photography services to common people, unlike exclusive studios.
The studio captured key moments of the freedom struggle, including rallies and political gatherings, and faced a ban from the British.
It later became a prominent studio for Bengali cinema and portrait photography after India's independence.
Despite facing challenges from digital photography, the studio continues to operate and preserve historical memories.
- Who
- Founded by Ratan Krishna Dey and managed by his descendants, D. Ratan & Co. photographed key moments in Indian history.
- What
- D. Ratan & Co. documented India's Independence struggle and later became a studio for Bengali cinema.
- When
- Established in 1915, the studio captured key moments during and after India's Independence.
- Where
- Kolkata, India.
- Why
- The studio aimed to provide photography services to the common people and chronicle India's journey.
- Founder
- Ratan Krishna Dey
- Established
- 1915
- Location
- Bidhan Sarani, Kolkata
- Focus
- Documenting the freedom struggle and Bengali cinema
- Family Management
- Managed by the fourth generation
- Challenges
- Digital age, smartphone usage impacting studio demand