This photograph is part of the album he produced of Poodoocottah, or Pudukkottai. Known as an early settlement, the town is dotted with natural rock shelters, stone circles and Neolithic burial sites. This photograph is unusual for Tripe because it is a still life rather than an architectural document. Arranged carefully on the table Tripe are a range of musical instruments belonging to His Excellency the seventh Tondiman Rajah, Ramachandra Tondiman (1829-1886) (the 'H. E. à' referred to in the title). Tripe has specifically used a black backdrop to make the details and colouring of the instruments stand out.
