India
Postcards actually developed in part from advertising cards.
before 1900
Calcutta
Among the earliest known postcards of Kolkata, by a local and likely Austrian,photographer. Note the four tiny titles below each vignette for those eager to know.
A Morning Obligato
A very early postcard printed in India (postmarked Dec. 1902 in one instance) by the lithographer W. Cooper. The chance discovery of another photographic postcard shows how a scene like this was composed.
Bear-Leader (Darweshi)
A very early lithographed card by Paul Gerhardt, who ran the lithographic printers at the Ravi Varma Press.
Sent to Miss Ettoi Virmillion, 52 West & South, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, via San Francisco: [Recto] "Bombay 22 March 1905. Very bare. Will"
Jaipur City Gate
Among the many very early illustrated postcard publishers was the Vienna-based firm of Joseph Heim.
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.
