The Durbars were occasions marking the formal coronations of English monarchs as empress & emperors of India: Victoria in 1877 Edward VII in 1903 & George V in 1911. Instituted by the Viceroys of India -- Lytton Curzon & Hardinge -- the Durbars were the first examples of the inscription of the Raj in a celebratory history that served to legitimate colonial presence. Lasting several weeks each lavish occasion was imaged & described in photographs (cartes-de-viste as well as private popular & commissioned photos) paintings press illustrations illustrated souvenirs memoirs photo albumns & films.