Coronation Darbar 1911 - Delhi
One of an extensive set of series H.A. Mirza & Sons, Delhi's leading photographer and postcard publisher at the time, made of the Darbar.
Delhi
The Imperial Delhi Durbar
The Delhi Durbar of 1911 was one of the most "postcarded" events of the Raj, and the first time a reigning British monarch, George V and his wife Queen Mary (an avid postcard collector) attended.
Juma Masjid, Delhi with a scene of Annual Friday Prayer-Meeting
[Original caption] Commenced in 1644 A.D. by the Emperor Shahjahan and completed by him in 1658 A.D. Is said to have employed a daily average of 5000 workmen. [end]
At the back of the mosque and foreground of the image, separated by a cloth and stick
Miss Chabukswari of Delhi
Usually, dancing women were unnamed, even when they become famous (for example, Gohar Jan became a "Bombay beauty"). In this case however perhaps her name or fame justified a different approach, and it was better marketing by the unknown publisher to
The Gorgeous East - A Viceregal Party
An early Tuck's painted postcard made to celebrate the 1903 Delhi Darbar. Viceroy Lord Curzon and his wife Mary are atop the elephant, their arrival opened the Darbar.
Safder Jang Tomb. Delhi.
The low angle of this splendid postcard of the mid-18th century tomb of Nawab Safderjung seems to widen at the bottom and reach towards the viewer. Note the two figures in white, almost invisible against the whitewash of the pedestal.
State Entry, Coronation Darbar Delhi
The final of the great three Darbars in Delhi - 1897, 1903 and 1911 - was also the most "postcarded" of Darbars, with numerous publishers seeking to out do each other with series illustrating the spectacle. While H.A. Mirza & Sons in Delhi probably
Street Scene, Delhi.
One of the earlier firmly dateable postcards by H.A. Mirza & Sons, the Chandni Chowk photography firm which was to become the dominant Delhi and northern Indian postcard publisher by 1905.
Postmarked Jaipur November 22, 1903 and Chicago Dec.
A Typical Maharajah
An early Tuck's painted postcard, and one of the earliest numbered series (2623) with an Indian theme. The theme suggests that the cards represents the Delhi Darbar of 1903 as other cards include the Viceregal Party.
The message on this card
The King Emperor
[After the original painting by I. Snowman, from official sittings graciously granted by His Majesty.
[Original caption] His Most Excellent Majesty George V.
