Ganga Lai and Gaura Bai were born in Kankanahalli, Mysore, India, in 1899 (or 1911) and appeared at the Paris Exposition in 1931. Pygopagus twins, they were examined by British Indian doctors at Calcutta in 1933. The radiograph below was taken at this time and shows the twins' joined hips. On July 25, 1949, Ganga suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and slipped into a coma. For three years, Gaura carried her unconscious twin, until Ganga's death in 1952 at Bangalore's Victoria Hospital. Thirty minutes later, Gaura complained of breathing difficulties. Within the hour she, too, was dead.Left: Gangalai and Gourabai at the Paris Exposition, 1931. Press photo, Paul Colston Collection. Press caption reads (in French), "The Siamese sisters...Hindus in Paris. The famous Siamese sisters Gaurabai and Ganganbai, from Mysore in India, have arrived in Paris. They are at the Parc des Attractions de l'Exposition. While Miss Gauganbai plays, her sister makes lace."
Updated 9.30.06.