Rare moments from India’s Independence journey captured by Homai Vyarawalla

Homai Vyarawalla, a pioneer in Indian photojournalism and the country’s first woman photojournalist, closely observed the upheaval of 1947. Several of her photographs have become iconic representations of India’s independence. She is one of the photojournalists who had the unique distinction of capturing national leaders who looked straight into her camera. On 79th Independence Day, we look back on a few of Homai Vyarawalla’s iconic photographs that have left an indelible mark on Indian history.

Homai Vyarawalla

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

Mahatma Gandhi arrives for the Congress committee meeting in June 1947. At the meeting, members debated and voted for the Third June Plan, which led to the partition. He was accompanied by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and his physician, Sushila Nayar.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

In June 1947, a crucial show of hands in Delhi marked the vote for the partition of India.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

Lord Mountbatten stands amidst jubilant crowds outside Parliament House in Delhi on August 15, 1947, as India celebrates its newfound freedom.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

On the morning of August 15, 1947, Lord Mountbatten took a ceremonial buggy ride from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Parliament House after being sworn in as Governor-General. This photograph was captured at Vijay Chowk.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

On February 1st, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi’s third son, Ramdas, lit the pyre at Rajghat following his father’s assassination.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

The first Cabinet meeting of Jawaharlal Nehru’s government, held in Delhi in 1948, following the swearing-in of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari as Governor-General.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

Jawaharlal Nehru with dancers during a Republic Day celebration at Teen Murti House in Delhi, in the 1950s.

Credit: Homai Vyarawalla—HV Archive/Alkazi Collection of Photography

Republic Day parade in Delhi, seen from an aerial perspective atop India Gate, 1951.