Gateway to India Singer
An advertising postcard from the Singer sewing machine company, aligning its brand with one of India's most iconic structures, likely soon after it was opened officially in 1924. Note the automobiles on the bottom right.
Bombay Mumbai
The Times of India Building, Bombay
The Times of India building is opposite Victoria Terminus in the heart of Mumbai. The Times of India (TOI), owned by the Indian firm Bennett, Coleman & Co.
Sawing Timber
Timber was mostly used as a building material and for making furniture. Power tools and machines are available to make life easier for carpenters today, but a century ago, specialized workmen plying their trade were a popular postcard theme.
The Syce
A drawing by the painter M.V. Dhurandhar that animates the meaning of "syce" as having to do with "coaxing." It was defined by Hobson-Jobson (1906): "SYCE (p. 885) SYCE , s. Hind. from Ar. sāïs. A groom.
Victoria Driver
A lovely character sketch by the artist M.V. Dhurandhar of a carriage driver in turn of the century Bombay.
Miss Akhtara
A rare early Bollywood star postcard, though the movie the still is likely taken from, and the sad-looking star are unknown.
Mr. D. E. Wacha
President, 17th Congress, Calcutta 1901
Celebrating one of the many Parsee businessmen who supported the Independence struggle and founded the Indian National Congress Party.
Bombay. General View from Clock Tower.
[Original caption] General View, from Clock Tower. Bombay is without doubt a prosperous city. The houses are large, handsome and well-built, the gardens well-laid out and cared for while the streets are clear and orderly.
The Great Hero of India
Few if any politicians were as popular as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the Maharashtrian politician and freedom fighter who spent many years in jail. He was referred to by British authorities as "the father of Indian unrest."
Progress of Fashion
A clever postcard by master artist M.V. Dhurandhar showing the modernization of fashion among women in his hometown of Bombay. This card was published by D.B.
