The Mall Murree
One of those postcards that illustrates the elasticity of time. The protagonist in the foreground is blurry because of the long exposure, perhaps a second or two, that the photographer required for the shot.
Undivided back
Parsee Priest
A curious and perhaps not inadvertent confrontation between a Parsi priest and Queen Victoria, he seems to be asking her for something.
The Mayo Hall, Allahabad
Now the Amitabh Bachan Sports Complex, this resolute example of Raj architecture was constructed in 1879. The architect was Richard Bayne, and the designs came from Professor Gamble at the precursor to what is now the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Bund, Poona
Printed on the side is the message, most likely from a firm:
Happy Holidays and a Fortunate New Year wish
from K. and A. Ringger, Bombay
Fruit Sellers
A gorgeously coloured collotype with the anonymous note on the front: "They are nearly as nice as ruby lips. best."
From Elk Hill, Ootacamund
Nicholas Studios in Madras and Ootacamund was one of the premiere South Indian photography firms starting in the 1850s. Their long history and that of A.T.W. Penn is nicely covered in the book by Christopher Penn, The Nicholas Brothers and A.T.W.
Greetings From Calcutta
A very early postcard from one of Kolkata's largest retailers. Postmarked Dec. 2, 1898 and addressed to Master Geoffrey Corbett, Whiltey, Yorks., England: "To my godson & all his relations G.C. [sp?]."
Babu Badridas' Jain Temple, Calcutta
One of the most popular early views of Kolkata, this Jain is dedicated to Sitalnathji, the 10th of the 24 Jain tirthankaras.
With the Indian Expeditionary Force
A rare surviving postcard from the Indian Expeditionary Force, the troops sent to fight with the Allies in Europe during World War I. It is addressed in Urdu to “M.
Rope Bridge, Kashmir
One example of this card, addressed to Miss Lorie Masters, 74 Fruitvale Gardens, Shepherd's Bush, London and sent from Allahabad on Sept. 9, 1903 had this message: "Here are two curious bridges.
