[Original caption] Performing Bears, Calcutta. It is a common occurrence in Calcutta and other cities of India to meet the native from the hills leading a small bear that is found in the Himalayas and other mountain districts.
A humorous colonial postcard comparing clothes washing in England and India, part of a larger artist-signed series by the large Kolkata retailer.
Sent to R.S. Gibbons, c/o Mrs. N.L. Larler, J.G. Northhampton Road, Addiscombe, Croydon, Surrey, England: "Feb 4th [1919?]. Granny sent you 10/- [shillings] for Xmas. Ask R.M. to give it to you out of the Bank.
Sepia cards were printed in a brown colour instead of black inks on halftone, collotype and real photo postcards. They went in and out of fashion from 1900 through the 1940s.
[Original caption] Dalhousie Square.
The former Angelina Yeoward (1873-1930) became one of the most famous singers in India, and one of its first gramophone-recorded artists.
The Howrah Bridge was constructed between 1936 and 1942. It replaced the Floating Pontoon Bridge that connected Howrah and Kolkata (then Calcutta). The Howrah Bridge was opened to public in February 1943. The Howrah Bridge was renamed as Rabindra
A hand-tinted studio postcard using what seem like only three carefully deployed colors - red, green and a hint of yellow or cream on the balustrade. The artistry is in getting the sitar bridges almost right.
Much of the initial Independence struggle was peaceful, led by often hardly remembered Anglicized lawyers like Mr. P.
A postcard that reflects how easily Kolkata mixed past and present at the turn of the century. Paan is an ancient cornucopia of spices and nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. Next to it are cooling soda bottles.
