A Parsee Lady
Parsi women were a popular subject—progressive women with traditional virtues, counterpoints to the nautch girl. This Parsi Lady is holding what could be a postcard.
Mumbai Bombay
Shakuntala Patra-Lekhana
[Original caption] Shakuntala writing a love letter. Shakuntala while she was dwelling in a forest, near the river. Malini writes a letter on a lotus leaf to Deshyanta feeling doubtful if he loved her. [end]
From one of the best known paintings by
Snake Charmer
Snake charmers are one of the most common early Indian postcard subjects, and this must be one of the earliest and most beautiful such views. Note the clever use of the palm backdrop to create the illusion of depth, and the rich use of red.
Vegetable Boat, Dhal Lake, Kashmir
An early postcard of Kashmir, likely from a Fred Bremner photograph as many other of the firm's postcards of this region were.
Parvati Temple, Poona
Parvati Temple is located on the Parvati hillock of Pune. The 17th century Parvati Temple was the private religious shrine of the former Peshwa dynasty.
Muhafiz Khan Mosque. Ahmedabad
Postmarked 1912, an example how a creative sender could use stamps to add their own historical touch to a a postcard.
Sheik Memon Street (Native Town), Bombay
B. Rigold and Bergmann were a London firm (69, Bishopsgate, London, E.C.), apparently established in 1876 that traded with India and China.
Coin-card with Viceroy-Flag of India
An early postcard summarizing the value of British Indian coinage, one rupee and below, in silver and copper. One British pound at the time was worth 240 pence, with 1 Rupee worth 16 pence (the 'd' on the card). Another postcard summarized the value
State Elephant
In India, elephants are revered as symbols of wisdom and good luck. Once it was common to find elephants on the roads of Mumbai.
Bakshis Saheb
A very early postcard printed in India and signed by the Ravi Varma Press chief lithographer and also painter, Paul Gerhardt. The title "Bakshis[h] Saheb" refers to the call for alms made by beggars.
