Dhobi Collection

Municipal laundry, Mahalaxmi dhobi ghat, Mumbai (Bombay), India, Asia

Sinhalese washerman, Kandy, Ceylon, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Sinhalese washerman, Kandy, Ceylon, 1898. Portrait of an elderly man with hair ornament. Singhelese in Kandy. From " Rund um die Erde", by C. W. Allers

Indian warriors exercising with a view of the English Residents camp, c
CHT176802 Indian warriors exercising with a view of the English Residents camp, c.1810 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

INDIAN DHOBI
A dhobi (laundryman) Date: circa 1905

Washing clothes at a Dhobi Ghat, Calcutta, India
People washing clothes at a Dhobi Ghat, Calcutta (Kolkata), India. Date: circa 1890s

Dhobis washing clothes, India. The Dhobi is a caste group whose members specialise in washing clothes. Date: circa 1890s

Mumbai, India - Dhobies drying Cloths - Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
India - Dhobies drying the Cloths at the Dhobi Ghat (Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat), a well known open air laundromat in Mumbai, India

RSR 2 / 6th Battalion, Dobi Ghat, washing clothes, Cornwallis Barracks, Bangalore
Royal Sussex Regiment Collection West Sussex Record Office Ref No: RSR Acc 4545 2/6th Batt/395 1916-19 Photograph

RSR 2 / 6th Battalion, Dhobie Women, Cornwallis Barracks, Bangalore 1916
Royal Sussex Regiment Collection West Sussex Record Office Ref No: RSR Uncat Acc 3284 Vol 1 2/6th Batt/026 1916 Postcard

Dhobi area - Rangoon - Public laundry washing area Date: 1951

Rawalpindi - North West Frontier Province
Dhobi Ghat in Park at Rawalpindi - North West Frontier Province (in modern-day Pakistan)

Parsi Fire Temple near Dhobi Talao, Bombay
Parsi (Indian Zoroastrian) Fire Temple near Dhobi Talao, Bombay (Mumbai), on a Parsi Holiday

Yamuna River, Agra, Uttar Pradesh state, India, Asia

Laundry drying by the Mula River, with foam from detergent pollution beyond, Pune, Maharashtra state, India, Asia

Laundry, Karachi, Pakistan, Asia

Washing drying, Kerala state, India, Asia

Drying washing with Ahilya Fort behind, now a heritage hotel, on the banks of the Narmada River, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh state, India, Asia

Washing at the ghats on the Narmada River at the Ahilya Fort and Temples, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh state, India, Asia

Dhobi or laundry ghats, Mumbai (Bombay), India, Asia

Dhobis washing by the Yamuna River, Agra, Uttar Pradesh state, India, Asia

An Indian Dhobi
An Indian dhobi or washerman. Often Dhobi wallahs will live and work at the laundry and pass their jobs down through the generations

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The dhobi, also known as the washerman or laundry worker, has been an integral part of many cultures throughout history. One such depiction dates back to 1898 in Kandy, Ceylon, where a Sinhalese washerman was captured by Christian Wilhelm Allers. This image showcases the significance of municipal laundry services during that time. In India, they can be seen at various locations called "dhobi ghats, " which are designated areas for washing clothes. These ghats serve as a hub for these hardworking individuals who tirelessly clean and dry garments for countless households. One captivating photograph captures Indian warriors exercising with a breathtaking view of the English Residents camp in the background. It highlights how even amidst their rigorous training routines, these warriors rely on dhobis to ensure their uniforms remain pristine. Another snapshot takes us to Calcutta's Dhobi Ghat, where we witness the bustling activity of dhobis washing clothes. The vibrant colors and rhythmic movements create an enchanting scene that showcases their dedication and expertise. Moving further west to Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, we find rows upon rows of clothes drying under the sun. This iconic location is not only a sight to behold but also represents generations of skilled workers diligently tending to each garment with care. Even within military barracks like Cornwallis Barracks in Bangalore, dhobis play an essential role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene among soldiers. Whether it is RSR 2 / 6th Battalion or Dhobie Women depicted in photographs from 1916, it is evident that these workers were highly valued members of military communities. Lastly, we travel beyond India's borders to Rangoon (now Yangon), where another thriving dhobi area awaits our exploration. Here too lies evidence of this profession's universality and importance across different regions. From historic depictions by Christian Wilhelm Allers to modern-day photographs, the story of dhobis is one of resilience and dedication.