Look into the Bioscope!

We are all familiar with Tagore's iconic Kabuliwala, who sold dry fruits and sweets from far-off lands. Similarly, India has had a rich past of Bioscopewala, who carried the box of wonders. A unique marvel in the world of motion pictures in the 19th century, the bioscope intrigued and charmed its way into the heart of Bengal and eventually India.

The nostalgic box of wonders; Image Source- National Science and Media Museum

Peeping inside a bioscope transports its audience to a different world. A world created by its architect, consisting of pictures that zoom past the curious eyes of its admirers. At the peak of its career, the bioscope managed to grab the attention of astonished Indians, who were yet to witness the magic of moving pictures. Technology was ever so kind to enhance the process with the inclusion of sound later. But how did this fascinating machine arrive in the sub-continent? The answer lies in the life journey of Hiralal Sen.

Born to a successful lawyer in present-day Bangladesh, Sen spent most of his life in Calcutta. His college days passionately drew him to the art of photography. Over time, he succeeded in establishing his studio.

The turning point of his life came in 1898 when Sen fell in love with the concept of motion pictures. On a regular visit to the Star Theatre, Sen watched the show, The Flower of Persia. During the interval, he encountered the most enthralling vision of his life. He beheld the sight of motion pictures for the first time, directed by Professor Stevenson.

Bioscopewalas became very popular in every nook and corner of the country. They would carry their box of wonders to feed the colourful imagination of their audience. One whistle or announcement would notify the kids of the arrival of their wonder man. They would rush out of their homes to crowd the bioscope with coins clutched tightly in their palms.

After spending minutes with wonder, so lost in the world of their favourite heroes and heroines, often wandering too far off places, the kids would return to their houses. Indeed, the simplest things bring the greatest of joys.

Bioscope was closest to a colourful film. Albeit soundless, the joy of watching pictures slide over at a steady pace while peeping inside the box made one feel special. It was almost like sharing a secret; A secret between the bioscope and its admirer.

This evergreen instrument continues to spread joy even today. Whenever someone spots a bioscope nearby, the first instinct is to peep inside it, to discover something special. So without wasting any time, look into the bioscope!

Captured by the brilliance of this advancement, the photographer in Sen was eager to experiment with this new medium. He then borrowed Stevenson's camera to understand the new instrument.

Stevenson's departure only fueled Sen's need to further pursue the art of filmmaking. He then purchased an Urban Bioscope and laid the foundations of the Royal Bioscope Company with his cousin Motilal Sen.

There was no looking back for Sen at this point now. After making films and advertisements for the time ever, India got its flavour for bioscope.

A still from Sen’s biopic named, Hiralal; Image Source- Upperstall

The everlasting joy of peeping into the world of the bioscope; Image Source - Bangladesh Post