The world's second deepest gold mine near Bangalore. Gold had long been known in the area, but it was only after the application of new engineering methods that size-able finds in the 1880s justified larger investments.
A beautiful example of colorization, with the rich brown of wood and skin set off against the black and white original studio backdrop. On the back, one owner has pencilled in "Hindu Bourgeois."
[Original caption] The Durbar Hall. Mysore State palace. The palace is built in Hindu style, the front supported by four fantastically carved wooden pillars.
A very early postcard printed in India. Gosavi is a Marathi word that refers to someone who has renounced worldly pleasures and wears garments of the "brick-dust" color shown here.
An early Tuck's painted postcard made to celebrate the 1903 Delhi Darbar. Viceroy Lord Curzon and his wife Mary are atop the elephant, their arrival opened the Darbar.
Another classic, empathetic Dhurandhar portrait that seems to capture well Hobson Jobson's (1903, p. 44) definition: "BABOO , s. Beng. and H. Bābū [Skt. vapra, 'a father']. Properly a term of respect attached to a name, like Master or Mr., and
Grand Review of Troops held before the Amir of Afghanistan Habibullah Khan at Agra in January 1907 when he was invested by Lord Minto with the Order of the Bath. A. Vivian Mansell & Co. were one of Britain's most high-end postcard publishers.
Before there were cars, there were carriages, and even these could benefit from pneumatic tyres which were inflated by air and led to more comfortable rides.
A postcard that sums up the fantasy of colonial life for Europeans. The dog resting by the tub is to Indians most unhygienic, but to Europeans the ultimate Raj bathroom accessory.
[Original caption] General View of Ghats, Benares. The landing places leading to the many temples which look down upon the River Ganges, whose waters are held so holy that they can wash away all sin. [end]
