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Toddy Drawers

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 Parsee Lady

A Parsee Lady

Parsis in India originally came from Iran (Persia), and Parsi ladies were among the first Indian women to have had an active public life, no doubt helped by a high literacy rate in the community (there is a postcard or letter in the woman's hand).

Water Carrier

Water Carrier

The bhistee or water carrier was a critical support to urban life before running water became widespread and reliable, and is one of the most frequent postcard subjects.

The Bombay Policeman

The Bombay Policeman

At the turn of the century, the uniformed policeman was a novel sight. Note the umbrella instead of gun or baton stick carried by this early policeman, drawn by M.V. Dhurandhar.

Postmarked May 14, 1903, Spencer’s Buildings.

Mumtaz-i-Mahal "The Exalted one of the Palace." (from an ivory miniature) The Taj, Tomb of Mumtaz-i-Mahal. Built by the Emperor Shah Jehan.

Mumtaz-i-Mahal "The Exalted one of the Palace." (from an ivory miniature) The Taj, Tomb of Mumtaz-i-Mahal. Built by the Emperor Shah Jehan.

India Tea Growers advertising postcard. [Verso] Postmarked St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 1, 1910 and sent to Mrs. W.M. Trane, Trowbridge, Ill. [Illinois, USA]

[Original caption, Verso] Mumtaz-I-Mahal-"the Exalted One of the Palace"-Empress of the Great

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