Faqir Collection

Sri Lanka - Hindu Ascetic - Incredibly long hair
Sri Lanka - Hindu Ascetic Sadhu with incredibly long hair, worn in thick dreadlocks called jata. Date: circa 1910s

A Sleeping Dervish, 1650. Found in the Collection of State Oriental Art Museum, Moscow

Muslim fakir or faqir penitents performing prayers and mortification. Udbahu with raised arm
FLO4623799 Muslim fakir or faqir penitents performing prayers and mortification. Udbahu with raised arm, and others praying standing, seated or lying down

Muslim fakir or faqir holy men: naga with stick, paramahamsa sitting under a tree, painted sannyasi, naked avadhuta
FLO4623751 Muslim fakir or faqir holy men: naga with stick, paramahamsa sitting under a tree, painted sannyasi, naked avadhuta, robed Baisnab Vaisnava and fakir at prayer

Fakir Imamuddin, from The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs
NAM310644 Fakir Imamuddin, from The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs, volume II, a volume of 30 watercolour studies by an unidentified Indian artist

Fakir Syad Aziz-o-Deen, from The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs
NAM310619 Fakir Syad Aziz-o-Deen, from The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs, volume I, a volume of 27 watercolour studies by an unidentified Indian artist

Muslim fakir penitents performing prayers and mortification
Muslim fakir or faqir penitents performing prayers and mortification. Udbahu with raised arm, and others praying standing, seated or lying down

Muslim fakir or faqir holy men in India
Muslim fakir or faqir holy men: naga with stick, paramahamsa sitting under a tree, painted sannyasi, naked avadhuta, robed Baisnab Vaisnava and fakir at prayer

A Fakir of Rajpootana, from Voyages in India, pub. by Smith, Elder & Co
STC444644 A Fakir of Rajpootana, from Voyages in India, pub. by Smith, Elder & Co. 1858 (litho) by Soltykoff, A. (19th century) (after); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; Russian

Udasees, c. 1862-64 (b / w photo)
622742 Udasees, c.1862-64 (b/w photo) by Shepherd, Charles & Robertson, Arthur (fl.1862-64); 20x16.1 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Two Dervishes, 1858 (w / c on paper)
DRE144467 Two Dervishes, 1858 (w/c on paper) by Haag, Carl (1820-1915); 35x25 cm; Private Collection; eDreweatt Neate Fine Art Auctioneers, Newbury, Berks, UK; German, out of copyright

Fakirs, c. 1862 (b / w photo)
498597 Fakirs, c.1862 (b/w photo) by Shepherd & Robertson (fl.1860s); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fakirs are Muslim Sufi ascetics.); British, out of copyright

Fakir Syad Nur-o-Deen, from The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs
NAM310620 Fakir Syad Nur-o-Deen, from The Kingdom of the Punjab, its Rulers and Chiefs, volume I, a volume of 27 watercolour studies by an unidentified Indian artist

The Dervish Dance, 19th century. Found in the Collection of State Oriental Art Museum, Moscow

A Standing Dervish. Artist: Muhammad Muhsin (active Mid of 17th cen. )
A Standing Dervish. Found in the collection of The David Collection

A Fakir, 1874-1876. Artist: Vereshchagin, Vasili Vasilyevich (1842-1904)
A Fakir, 1874-1876. Found in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Dervish, Early 17th cen Artist: Iranian master
Dervish, Early 17th cen.. Found in the collection of the State Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Yogi Fakirs In The 19Th Century. From El Mundo En La Mano, Published 1878

A Group of Hindu Indian Fakirs
A superb photograph (on a postcard) of a group of Hindu Indian Fakirs, one with immensely long hair (right). Date: circa 1910s

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The faqir, a fascinating figure found in various cultures and religions, holds a mystique that captivates the imagination. In Sri Lanka, Hindu ascetics known as they are renowned for their incredibly long hair, symbolizing their devotion and renunciation of worldly attachments. Meanwhile, Muslim fakirs or they can be seen performing prayers and mortification rituals. In vivid handcoloured copperplate drawings by Francois Solvyns, we witness the Udbahu with raised arm alongside others praying in different positions - standing, seated or lying down. These holy men embody spiritual discipline and dedication. Delving deeper into this realm of faith and austerity, we encounter Fakir Imamuddin from The Kingdom of Punjab. His presence reflects the influence of these revered individuals on local rulers and chiefs. Similarly, Fakir Syad Aziz-o-Deen's depiction highlights the significance bestowed upon them within this region. Venturing further into India's diverse landscape reveals Muslim fakir penitents engaged in prayer and mortification practices. Their commitment to spirituality is evident through their unwavering devotion. As we explore historical accounts such as Voyages in India published by Smith Elder & Co. , we come across a captivating portrayal of A Fakir from Rajpootana. This glimpse into his world offers insights into the unique traditions followed by these mystical beings. Photographs like Udasees (c. 1862-64) capture black-and-white images showcasing the austere lives led by these individuals while Two Dervishes (1858) presents watercolor depictions illustrating their distinct attire and demeanor. Finally, Fakirs (c. 1862) photographed during that era provide visual evidence of their existence amidst society at large. Each image tells a story of devotion intertwined with simplicity. Whether it be Hindu ascetics with flowing locks or Muslim fakirs immersed in prayer and mortification, the faqir remains an enigmatic figure across cultures.