Jaipur City Gate
Among the many very early illustrated postcard publishers was the Vienna-based firm of Joseph Heim.
before 1900
Elphinstone College
One of the most educational institutions in India, Elphinstone College was established in 1856. Graduates include Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sir Pherozshah Mehta, and Jamsetji Tata.
The Administration Palace in Benares
The history of Varanasi, also called Benares, can be traced back to the time of Gautama Buddha 2,500 years ago when it was the capital of Kashi.
Calcutta 1897
Postmarked May 25, 1898 (?) and addressed to Master Leslie Hurst, 4 Waterlook Road, Nottingham, England: "My dear Leslie I have another p.c. [postcard] for you – Did you go to Gooe fair. It is your fair day today.
Tanjore dancing girl
Among the first series of postcards printed in India by The Ravi Varma Press, this lithograph by the German artist at the Press, Paul Gerhardt, shows how in these very early days, placing the title was not quite fixed by convention, It could easily
Native Street
Unlike many photographic postcards that emphasized the crowded nature of Bombay bazaars at the turn of the century, Gerhardt opens up the foreground in this painted depiction to create a more spacious and effect.
Happy
A truly multi-purpose postcard by Paul Gerhardt.
Shipping on the Hooghly
An example of how the earliest postcards of a place were often design masterpieces. Note how the palm tree merges with the ship masts, and nautical rope and elements carefully surround the whole frame.
India North German Lloyd [Indien Nordeutscher Lloyd Bremen]
![India North German Lloyd [Indien Nordeutscher Lloyd Bremen]](https://www.paperjewels.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/slides/india-ship-line_0.jpg?itok=IfmRZ2Ws "India North German Lloyd [Indien Nordeutscher Lloyd Bremen]")
An early shipping line advertising card from Germany, from one of the largest late 19th century shipping firms that only in 1970 was merged into Hamburg America Line to form Hapag-Lloyds.
Native Barber
Among the first postcards printed in India, from a lithograph by The Ravi Varma Press' chief lithographer, Paul Gerhardt.
