Banyan Tree, Madras
A postcard which represents something of the uneasy relationships during the colonial period. The ancient banyan tree is hemmed in by fencing and benches. Two bearded British men are enjoying a drink under its shade.
Spencer & Co.
Nungumbaukum
Historical records in Chennia mention Nungambakkam as one of the three villages (in addition to Egmore and Chetput) that the British East India Company purchased in 1743 to form the port city of Madras.
A little Brahmin Beauty, Madras
Little children were one of the most popular subjects of early postcards from Chennai (Madras). Many of the little children in these postcards wore – or were dressed with – a lot of jewelry, which would have made them compelling subjects.
A Toddy Shop
"In India, the toddy shop may well be called ‘The Poor Man’s Club’," wrote Mahatma Gandhi in Harijan (1928),"the well- to-do folks have Willingdon Clubs and Gymkhanas of diverse description, to fulfil their instinct of sociability and to give them
A Group of Schoolgirls
A wonderfully hand-tinted postcard by Spencer & Co., with its signature red used with great balance across the girl's clothing. The jewelry makes one wonder whether some of them are really school girls.
Postmarked Kandy, Sri Lanka, 2/11/1907 and sent
Basket Bazaar, Madras
The basket bazaar of Madras was renowned for its beautiful wicker work and offered many kinds of basket weavers a platform to show their craft and sell a wide variety of goods.
Toddy Drawers
Toddy or palm wine as made from sap collected by climbers like this one in little pouches; fermentation was so fast in the humid air that a mildly alcoholic drink could be had in a few hours.
A Wet Day, Madras
An evocative postcard that manages to communicate the experience of rain.
A Coconut Seller, Madras
The coconut is a large palm, growing to 30m tall, and is found throughout the tropical world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human use.
