Raja Deen Dayal, popularly known as Lala Deen Dayal, was the royal court photographer to Asif Jah VI, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. Born in 1844, in Sardhana, UP, He was a Civil Draughtsman in employ of the British Government from 1866. His passion & penchant for photography was discovered and encouraged by several Indian nobles who provided him with the proper introductions in their circles. Several high profile commissioned photographs later, Lala Deen Dayal decided to quit his government job & chose to pursue his career as a professional photographer.
The Nawab of Hyderabad had conferred the title of ‘Raja’ on him. His portfolio of 86 photographs titled, “Famous Monuments of Central India” was quite well known at that time. Deen Dayal also accompanied the royal party of Prince and Princess of Wales on their visit to India. His uniquely stunning photographs capture the artistic and architectural accomplishments of monuments in all their elegance. His photographs of people are perhaps his most fascinating work.
A rare collection of some of the truly timeless pictures taken by Raja Deen Dayal will take you on a roller coaster ride back in time.











