View of Benares
An early multi-coloured view of Varanasi.
An early multi-coloured view of Varanasi.
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.
The "Generous Scotsman" is saying: “You are not hot, my brave Indian . . . what do you want I am not offering you my pants!”
Note that the word "Hindou" on French postcards from World War I was used to refer to Indians in general; this was intended
Many early Bombay postcards focused on the cotton trade, the source, with opium, of much of the city's early wealth.
During the so-called Boxer Rebellion in China, when local Chinese radicals joined with the Imperial Army to fend off Western, Russian and Japanese advances, Indian troops fighting on the British side played a role in the battle for the city in July
[Verso] "Mission Hospital, Kolar, India.
Dear aunt Connie:
This will not reach you until after your birthday. Am sorry I did not get it off before. Hope you have a very happy day. This center piece was made in a Mission School. Much Love, Edith.
Postmarked Ferozpur, January 13, 1910 and addressed to Master Bottie Anderson, 92 Manor Park, London S.E. England.
"Lots of Love and Kisses from Daddy & Mother Ferozpur Jan 13 1910."
A delicately hand tinted view of Akbar's Tomb outside Agra, built by his son Jehanghir between 1605 and 1613.
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.
A candid image of Indian troops in Ashurst, Hampshire, England unpacking their kit most likely before being sent to the war front in Europe during World War I.