Bombay Dockmaster With Megaphone, Old Postcard 1910
Old 1910 photo postcard of a dockmaster with megaphone in Bombay, now Mumbai. An interesting glimpse of a dockmaster at work in one of Bombay’s docks. Here he seems to be communicating with someone on the ship not visible in the picture. A huge conical-shaped mechanical megaphone in front of him. His assistant holding another just behind him. With a curious crowd looking on in some sort of amused anticipation. Three anxious looking Britishers are also visible on the back. Wonder what was the excitement about!
A Dockmaster’s role was that he was responsible for all aspects of a dock. One of his duties was to deal with the ship’s sailors and crew. The Dockmaster’s duty also involved checking a ship in and out of parking slots. And at a larger dock, he would be equally responsible to guide a huge freighter into a dry dock. Bombay docks consisted of Victoria, Alexandra, Princess, Sassoon Docks, etc. All were built by the British in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Click on the photo for better view.
See also post Bombay Docks In British India Era – Old Photo 1916., and Aerial View of Bombay Harbour & Dock – Old Print 1931.
Did you know- that once Elephants were used to move cargo in the docks of Mumbai.
From the collection- Vintage Oleograph Raja Ravi Varma “Vishnu On Sheshnag”., Farewell At The Gateway of India Mumbai, Old Photo 1931., Colaba Point Lighthouse In Mumbai – Old Print 1868., San Thome Fort Madras – Antique Map 1757
The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, or stock photos or taken from other sources.
