Photograph of water towards Fort of Colombo, Sri Lanka; at far left small building with triangular pediment, at right barracks, in centre building under construction. In shallows, two bullocks harnessed to cart, a horse and several men. In the foreground a man stands to left with parasol, another man stands to right with a dog.

In an effort to strengthen diplomatic relations between the Indian rulers and the British Crown, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, embarked on a tour of the Indian subcontinent in October 1875. The Prince visited 21 towns and cities across parts of modern-day India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, where he exchanged and received gifts from each ruler he met during his tour. The Prince returned to England in May 1876. As a result of the visit, six photographic albums were compiled of portraits, groups and views. Some of the photographs were commercial prints already available; others were specially taken to commemorate the tour.