Tirumala's Palace, Madura
This 17th century palace, now known as Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, was built by King Tirumala Nayaka, of the Nayaka dynasty, and was once spread over a much larger area than what remains today.
1900-1909
The Golden Temple, Amritzar
One of the earliest postcards of India published by a British-based firm, F. Hartmann & Co.
The Mayo Hall, Allahabad
Now the Amitabh Bachan Sports Complex, this resolute example of Raj architecture was constructed in 1879. The architect was Richard Bayne, and the designs came from Professor Gamble at the precursor to what is now the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Serravallo's Tonic in India
A carefully staged advertising postcard for Seravallo's so-called "healthy wine," still available today. Note the woman holding the tonic, the man with a crate on his head, the other two characters adding depth and interest to the image.
Lakshmi
A exquisitely hand painted postcard, with the title "Lakshmi, or Sri, wife of Vishnu, goddess of fortune," penned by the sender, likely a European.
The Bund, Poona
Printed on the side is the message, most likely from a firm:
Happy Holidays and a Fortunate New Year wish
from K. and A. Ringger, Bombay
Tiger Hunting
Probably the Prince of Wales tiger hunting during his visit in 1905, by the German artist Ludwig Fromme (1882-1935). This kind of image cold also go back to 1876 and forward into the 1930s as royal visitors were often treated to well-orchestrated
A General View. Tombs of Sultan Nizamuddin and Jahanara Begum.
The publisher seems to speak to the Indian customers with this translation perpendicular to the image, and perhaps educate European ones:
[Recto]"Translation in English from the Arabic written on her tomb"
"He is alone everliving and everlasting".
The Gate, Taj Mahal, Agra
[Original caption] Commenced in 1637 and completed in 1648 A.D. by the Emperor Shahjahan. Wonderful Building in the world. [end]
Chalking the Doorstep, Madras
Kolams or muggulu are thought to bring prosperity to homes. These intricate rice flour decorations are made by women in front of doorsteps primarily in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Feeding a Thousand Souls Women, Ritual, and Ecology in
