Bombay Mumbai

Note how carefully this postcard has been hand-tinted, even the studio carpet adding a little depth.

In 1913 the General Post Office moved into its present building which was designed by John Begg, the Consulting Architect to the Government during the period. Mumbai's GPO features the city's famous Indo-Saracenic architectural style.

Of the nine Josef Hoffman artist-signed postcards of India published by a Viennese firm in 1898 (here in an English version for Thacker & Co.), this one is the hardest to find, why is unclear.

[Original caption] View of Malabar Hill. A beautiful scene and admired by all classes. A great number of bungalows are to be found here. [end]

A studio portrait of a Parsi priest, holding an umbrella.

A most unusual postcard of a colonial family's two beloved creatures, carefully composed together in the studio, ready for the girl's family to send to relatives.

One of the many – to Indians, curious – new professions that sprouted in the growing city of Bombay at the turn of the century.

One of the most popular of early nautch postcards, made in many variations by Clifton & Co. As is so often the case, the musician lends colour and evokes the dance even if, in this case, they are probably standing very still in the studio.

[Original caption] Bombay View of Malabar Hill & Chowpatty. A beautiful scene admired by all classes, and where many congregate on an evening. [end]

[Original caption] Native Quarter, Null Bazaar, Bombay. One of the principal highways, is typical of the many animated thoroughfares of this busy city.