Given how ubiquitous the trope of snake charmers and India was in popular Western culture in the early 20th century, it is refreshing to find that they are not as common in postcards as one might expect. True, major publishers like Clifton & Co.
An early keyhole postcard view of Marine Drive, probably from a photograph made in the 1890s.
The April 4, 1905 earthquake, one of the largest in India history, killed over 20,000 people. This undivided back postcard would have been one of the first times the postcard was being put to the reporting of current events use in British India.
Hospitals found there way on to many postcards, symbols of progress that probably reflected colonial health concerns.
Addressed to Miss Alice Grimes, Elysee Palace Hotel, Paris, France and postmarked Nov. 3, 1903 Mashobra Cant.:
"My dear Miss Grimes. I'm having a really good time. Have just come down from the gay regi day [regimental day?] Simla.
A lone cart contemplates entering the Khyber Pass on this early color postcard; nearly as daunting is the white space awaiting the sender's message.
Founded in 1861, this Roman Catholic-run school is one of the oldest in Karachi.
Scenes of Indian troops washing were witnessed by French inhabitants, especially women who often found the soldiers attractive.
A very early "Greetings from" postcard composed of no less than five different images, including one of the "Divinity Dance by Lamas" in the bottom left panel.
Better known as the Jhalra natural water tank adjacent to the tomb of the 13th century Sufi Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti. Hundreds of thousands of people come here each year for the urs (the anniversary of the death) of a Sufi saint.
