East India

East India Postcards

East India, a region known for its colonial history, ancient religious sites, and vibrant trade hubs, played a central role in British India. Vintage postcards from this region capture the grandeur of Calcutta (Kolkata) as the administrative capital of British India, the sacred Buddhist sites of Bihar, the artistic traditions of Odisha, and the thriving ports of Bengal. From the grand colonial buildings of Calcutta to the spiritual landscapes of Bodh Gaya, these postcards reflect the historical depth and cultural richness of East India.

Calcutta Postcards

Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the heart of British India until 1911, serving as the economic, political, and cultural center of the empire. Postcards of Calcutta showcase the city’s architectural splendor, including the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the Writers’ Building, which were symbols of colonial power. The city’s grand avenues are depicted in vintage postcards featuring trams, horse-drawn carriages, and bustling marketplaces, illustrating daily life in the metropolis. The River Hooghly and the port of Calcutta, vital for trade, appear frequently in early lithographic prints, showing cargo ships and steamers docking along the banks.

Bengal Postcards

Beyond Calcutta, Bengal was home to several historic towns and trade centers that played a crucial role in British India’s economy. Postcards of Murshidabad, once the capital of Bengal under the Nawabs, depict grand palaces and mosques that showcase the region’s Mughal influence. The old European trading settlements of Chandannagar (French), Serampore (Danish), and Chinsurah (Dutch) appear in rare postcards, offering glimpses of the colonial rivalries that shaped Bengal’s history. Tea plantations in North Bengal, particularly in Darjeeling, are often depicted in scenic postcards, highlighting the region’s role in India’s tea industry.

Bihar Postcards

Bihar, one of India’s oldest cultural centers, is well represented in vintage postcards featuring Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a recurring subject, depicting the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Early postcards of Nalanda University highlight the ruins of one of the world’s oldest centers of learning, while images of Rajgir’s hot springs and temples reflect the region’s spiritual significance. These rare postcards provide insight into Bihar’s deep-rooted connections to Buddhism and its enduring religious heritage.

Odisha Postcards

Odisha’s postcards capture its ancient temples, cultural traditions, and maritime past. The Konark Sun Temple, one of India’s greatest architectural wonders, appears in many early postcards, showcasing its intricate stone carvings and monumental chariot-shaped structure. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major Hindu pilgrimage site, is depicted with crowds of devotees and grand chariot processions during the Rath Yatra festival. Odisha’s coastal towns, including Cuttack and Puri, appear in lithographic postcards illustrating fishing communities, colonial settlements, and local markets.

River Trade and Everyday Life

As a region shaped by its waterways, East India was a center of riverine trade and transportation. Postcards of the Hooghly and Ganges Rivers depict large cargo boats, bustling ghats, and ferries carrying passengers between cities. The railway expansion under the British is captured in postcards featuring Calcutta’s Sealdah and Howrah railway stations, illustrating the modernization of transport in the region. Scenes of rural life, with farmers working in rice fields, fishermen along the rivers, and bustling village markets, provide a deeper understanding of daily life in early 20th-century East India.

Collect East India Postcards

East India’s colonial legacy, religious heritage, and economic importance are beautifully preserved in rare vintage postcards, offering a glimpse into the region’s dynamic past. Whether capturing the grand streets of Calcutta, the sacred temples of Odisha, the Buddhist sites of Bihar, or the trade hubs of Bengal, these postcards provide an invaluable historical record of a region that has long been at the crossroads of culture and commerce.

Explore our exclusive collection of vintage postcards, photo postcards, and picture postcards from East India, perfect for collectors, history enthusiasts, and those passionate about India postcards and postcard stamps.