Mohini
[Original caption] The Goddess of beauty sitting on a swing [end]
This image by Ravi Varma was one of his most successful in calendar art. Shown here she is perfect and ordinary, ideal yet accessible.
Divided back
Munshi or Mahomedan Teacher
A nicely coloured lithograph, with the green and red on the ground extending the teacher's garments.
A Hindu Musician
A hand-tinted studio postcard using what seem like only three carefully deployed colors - red, green and a hint of yellow or cream on the balustrade. The artistry is in getting the sitar bridges almost right.
Madras, Government House
[Original caption] Madras, Government House. Government House looks out upon the Coom river at the back, and its front gives upon Mount Road, the principal street in Madras.
A Malingerer
[Original caption] A Malingerer. The picture shows a bullock fallen on the road. The coolies in attendance, believing the animal to be a malingerer, would coerce him into activity by throwing red pepper into his eyes. [end]
Malabar Point. Bombay.
[Original caption] Malabar Point. Bombay. Malabar Point, showing the Sea and Promenade, where all classes - Europeans and natives - congregate to enjoy the fresh and breezy air in the cool of evening. [end]
Jaipur. The Holy Shrine of Singhji.
[Original caption] Jaipur - The Holy Shrine of Singhji. Jaipur is one of the wealthiest and best administered states under native rule. Its capital, the 'rose-red city' of that name is picturesque, clean, prosperous and progressive.
Tribal Towers
This image probably dates from the 1890s and was made by William Darcia Holmes, the father of Randolph Holmes who published these postcards from their Peshawar studio.
Agra Fort (General View)
[Original caption] General View, Agra Fort. Most of the magnificent buildings which render Agra so interesting are located within the fort which has a circuit of over a mile.
Car Procession in Bangalore
It can be difficult to date Tuck's postcards because their numbering system – series that included India cards went from about 600 to almost 10,000 – was note entirely chronological.
