Panwala (Betel Nut Dealer)
A rather impressive portrait, from a slightly low angle, giving the boy a certain grandeur. Unfortunately, a most rarely postcarded occupation.
Bombay
Shravak Temple, Girnar
One of the earliest postcards of this collection of Jain Temples which date from roughly the 8th century through 15th century, although there is apparently evidence of the area as a site of pilgrimage from the 3rd century BCE.
State Elephant, Jeypore
[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.
The Ctesiphon Arch, Mesopotamia
Presented by the Women of Bombay Presidency, this postcard was used to raise funds and support the British and Indian troops fighting in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) against Turkish forces in World War I.
Town Hall Asiatic Society
An early view of what is now The Asiatic Society. John Murray's Handbook for Travelers in India Burma and Ceylon (1938) has this description of what was once the Town Hall:
"The Town Hall, designed by Col. T.
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."
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
Galta Tank Jaipur
Galtaji is an ancient set of Hindu temples built into rocky hills near Jaipur, nicely captured in this rich early collotype by one of the first all-India postcard publishers.
Group of Indian Fakirs
A very early postcard of fakirs or sadhus, usually shown individually in close-up. Combridge & Co.
The Great Hero of India
Few if any politicians were as popular as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the Maharashtrian politician and freedom fighter who spent many years in jail. He was referred to by British authorities as "the father of Indian unrest."
