President Jawaharlal Nehru
Phoenix Printing Works was one of the largest publishers of postcards of political leaders, including this less common casual view of Rashtrapati [President] Nehru in sandals.
India
Punjaub Rose
Behind an arsenal of jewelry in a photographer's studio sits a young girl.
Comrades
"India, with no less alacrity, has claimed her share in the common task. Every class and creed, British and Native, Princes and People, Hindoos and Mahomedans, vie with one another in a noble and emulous rivalry.
Village Barber, Indian Topics
J. D. Gondhalekar (1909-1981) was an Indian artist from a Pune family that owned a successful printing press. He studied at the Slade School of Art in London and in the 1950s served as the Dean of the J. J. School of Art in Bombay.
Snake Charmers
Given how ubiquitous the trope of snake charmers and India was in popular Western culture in the early 20th century, it is refreshing to find that they are not as common in postcards as one might expect. True, major publishers like Clifton & Co.
Midnight
Among the most interesting of postcards to come out before Partition are the hand tinted real photographs printed in Germany from Nanumal Riayatmal of Sukkur in Sindh.
Hindu Women Carrying Water
A very early blue-toned postcard from booksellers Cobridge and Co. Sent from Bombay's Sea Post Office, date unclear, to Mr. J. Sherman, 12 Middleton Square, Clerkennell, E.C. London, England: "With fondest love to all from Arthur."
Serravallo's Tonic in India
A carefully staged advertising postcard for Seravallo's so-called "healthy wine," still available today. Note the woman holding the tonic, the man with a crate on his head, the other two characters adding depth and interest to the image.
Lakshmi
A exquisitely hand painted postcard, with the title "Lakshmi, or Sri, wife of Vishnu, goddess of fortune," penned by the sender, likely a European.
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
