Motor Cars In Colonial Era Kolkata’s Cityscape

Two old photo postcards from 1907 and 1920 showing motor cars from a colonial era Kolkata’s (Calcutta) cityscape. A lineup of 1920s cars in front of the Grand Hotel, and a few 1907 cars outside the Hogg Market. An unrecorded version insists that the first car was launched in Calcutta. The first automotive perhaps a French DeDion terrified its residents when it ran on the city roads.

Calcutta was the center of expensive and classy cars from around the world during the British era. Just like what is shown in these postcards of colonial era Kokata’s cityscape. Once the Britishers left these were gifted or sold to Indians. Many were resold locally and many were exported till the Indian Government imposed a law for the nonexport of any articles that were of 100 years or more. Click on the photo for better view.

See post Grand Hotel In Chowringee Road Calcutta – Old Postcard 1908.

Did you know- that electric car was popular from 1890 until their demand died down sometime later. 

From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper Two Women (#4).,  Ooty & Church In 19th Century – Old Photo 1880., Air India Maratha Princess Over Lake Geneva – Old Postcard., Tellicherry On The Malabar Coast – Old Print 1922

The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.