The Kashmir Giants of India
The Kashmir Giants were two extremely tall men captured in photos during the Durbar festival in Delhi in 1903.
The Kashmir Giants
A photo of the Kashmir Giants taken in 1903. Photo: Grunge
During the 1903 Durbar festival in Delhi, India, a series of historic photos were taken. These photos captured various scenes, including soldiers, spectators, and animals. Among all the images, some stood out for featuring two exceptionally tall men who later came to be known as the Kashmir giants.
One particular photo showed these giants towering over a shorter man who stood between them, as shown in the picture above. The man in the middle was Professor James Ricalton, an American photographer who traveled extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was acquainted with the giants. Despite Ricalton's friendship with them, it remains uncertain whether the giants had gigantism or were simply naturally tall individuals.
How Tall Were the Kashmir Giants?
One of the giants stood at an astounding height of 7'9" (2.36m), while the other measured 7'4" (2.23m). These giants were twin brothers who hailed from Balmokand, although the name of this place may have changed over the years and is not currently documented.
The heads and shoulders of these Kashmiri giants stood tall, creating a striking presence at the Durbar. Notably, these giants were not only known for their towering stature, but also for their service as elite riflemen dedicated to their King.
The Kashmir Giants become Famous
A video containing more images of the Kashmir Giants
The international journalists and photographers who had gathered for the Durbar were equally captivated by the Kashmir giants. It's easy to imagine the immense impression they must have made back in 1903.
These giants brought widespread fame to the King of Kashmir across the globe. An article titled "The Retinue of the Ruler of Kashmir" was published in The Brisbane Courier in Australia in February 1903, dedicating a section to the two giants who served as guardsmen and servicemen for the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir.
If you enjoyed learning about the Kashmir Giants you might also be interested in the story of the Giant of Kandahar.
