Mekrani Child
Born and Died May, 1900
A baby born with two heads and who likely would still have been a novelty and discussed some years later in Karachi, east of the Makran coast.
1900-1909
Two of A Kind in Kashmir
Much of the early postcard market was driven by collectors who exchanged cards with each other around the world, as this text on this card illustrates. Addressed to Frau Emma Valenti in Trieste, Austria:
"Madame,
Your cards to hand.
Victoria Terminus Station, Bombay
[Original caption] Victoria Terminus Station, Bombay. Bombay is by far the most European in appearance of all the cities of India. Extensive lines of tramways pass through the broad streets that are continually lined with splendid buildings.
Nahapiet & Co's. Jute Factory Post Golah, Dacca
A very rare postcard, both because it is from East Bengal now Bangladesh and because it is a very early real photo postcard, a type that did not come into prominence until the next decade.
The Taj Mahal, Agra
One version of this card, addressed to Miss J. Flint, 124 Belmont Road, Ansfield, Liverpool, has this written on the front: "I wonder whether they will build anything like this over us when we are gone. W.J.O."
The Marble Rocks, Jubbulpure
A gorge in the Narmada River with about 8 miles of soft marble rock that remains a delight for tourists.
View of River Hooghly Showing the High Court, Calcutta
A very uncommon and early view of the High Court, constructed in 1872, for the oldest High Court in British India.
The Connaught Hotel, Poona
The 1902 Guide to Poona (p. 60) had ad ad for this hotel, described as "A Select Hotel for European Gentry, Entirely under new and excellent European management. European Manageress. Home Comforts, Cleanliness, and First Class Cuisine guaranteed.
Karachi, Eduljee Dinshaw Charity Hospital
This hospital was built in the memory of Parsi trader Eduljee Dinshaw. Parsis started major property, shipping, hotel and beverage businesses in Karachi since the late 19th century.
A Boothea Milkman
A studio portrait full of contradictions. The milkman from Darjeeling of Tibetan ancestry is shown with an English church in the deep background.
