From Hawa Mahal to Kangra Valley: Photos from Chennai's private collections explore India's past

The story of a nation as old and diverse as India is perhaps best told through its monuments, landscapes, and people. These photographs, which can be dated to the 1960s and ’70s, were originally taken for the Indian Tourism Department. Their compelling subject and style soon made them a collector’s item. Carefully sourced from private collections with credible provenances, these photographs form a part of Ashvita’s meticulously curated selection of fine art and collectibles, available online. [caption id=“attachment_4971451” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Hawa Mahal Jaipur, circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970701” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Himalayan landscape, circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970841” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Entrance to Lomas Rishi cave at Barabar Hill, circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970861” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Sanchi Stupa, circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970871” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Building in Madras, perhaps the Madras Gymkhana.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970881” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  River scenery near Kangra Valley, circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970891” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Pandav Caves, Panchmarhi circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970901” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Jagadeesan’s Cricket Club portrait taken at Luz Studio Madras4, 1968.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970911” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Sculpture (possibly from a museum collection), circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970921” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Sher Shah’s Tomb circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970951” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  View of Ajanta caves circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_4970991” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Portrait of a girl and baby (possibly from Kashmir), circa 1970.
Original photograph from a private collection in Chennai.[/caption] To view more, visit ashvitas.com Text by Kaveri Acharya.