Much of the early postcard market was driven by collectors who exchanged cards with each other around the world, as this text on this card illustrates. Addressed to Frau Emma Valenti in Trieste, Austria:
"Madame,
Your cards to hand.
Jadu Kissen’s Archaeological Photographic Works of India, Cashmere Gate, Delhi, was originally archaeological photographer to the Government of Punjab, had an office in Simla (1912), and published many archaeologically-themed postcards.
Postmarked
A beautiful postcard from archaeological photographer Jadu Kissen, who had an office in Srinagar or may have worked for The Archaeological Survey of India in Kashmir at some point.
The claim that this is a much extolled Kashmiri beauty is probably true, as this particular woman seems to appear on other postcards from the period. She is wearing the traditional Kashmiri dress, the pheran, and could be wearing a watch on her left
[Original caption] The Saman Burj or Princess Boudoir in Delhi is richly inlaid with mosaic work. Delhi. [end]
The exquisite hand-tinting of this postcard is worthy of the original design.
[Original caption continues] Marks the Victory Over the Musalmans. [end]
The original Chittorgarh tower, or Vijay Stambh was constructed in the 16th century to commemorate a victory by the Rajput Maharana Kumbha over the Malwa ruler, Mohamed Khilji
Postmarked Simla, Oct. 29, 1908 and sent to Mrs. Taylor, Bath, England, with this message: "29. Oct. 5:30 p.m. W. just home from office & have had no time to write–aske me to write his expenses and send our love–both well. Though W.
Jadu Kissen was a photographer associated for a time with the Archaeological Survey of India and operated out of Srinagar and Delhi; his distinctive postcards were hand-tinted and their captions could be as long as his main competitor in Delhi, H.A.
