Arch and Iron Pillar near Qutub Minar - Delhi - 1850s

The iron pillar of Delhi, India is a 7 meter (22 feet) high pillar in the Qutb complex which is notable for the composition of the metals used in its construction.

The pillar, which weighs more than six tons, is said to have been fashioned at the time of Chandragupta Vikramaditya (375–413),though other authorities give dates as early as 912 BCE.The pillar initially stood in the centre of a Jain temple complex housing twenty-seven temples that were destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak, and their material was used in building the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The pillar and ruins of the temple stand all around[clarification needed] the Qutb complex today. The pillar is 98% pure wrought iron, and is a testament to the high level of skill achieved by ancient Indian blacksmiths. It has attracted the attention of both archaeologists and metallurgists, as it has withstood corrosion for over 1,600 years in the open air. (Wikipedia)

Main facade of the High School at Bhavnagar in Gujarat - 1860s

Photograph of the main facade of the High School at Bhavnagar in Gujarat, taken by an unknown photographer, from an album of 40 prints dating from the 1860s.

The erstwhile princely state of Bhavnagar on the coast of Gujarat is an important port and cotton trading centre. The city was founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji of the clan of Gohil Rajputs who had settled in the region after moving down from Marwar in Rajasthan in the 12th century. The strategic location on the Gulf of Khambat (Cambay) was carefully chosen and Bhavnagar prospered with its maritime trade. The city has a vibrant old bazaar centre but little architecture of note. Mahatma Gandhi reputedly attended a college here and there is a museum of Gandhi memorabilia.

Mahendra Singh, Maharaja of Patiala - 1870s

Portrait of Mahendra Singh, Maharaja of Patiala (1852-1876) wearing the robes and order of the Star of India from the 'Album of cartes de visite portraits of Indian rulers and notables' by Bourne and Shepherd.

Early 1870s. Patiala, located in Punjab, was created as a state in 1763 with Raja Ala Singh as the chief. The family belonged to the Phulkian family of the Sidhu jat clan of the sikhs. Mahendra Singh succeeded as a minor in 1862 and a council of regency ran the govenment till 1870. During his rule the liberal Maharaja tried to improve the state by funding a new canal, colleges and provided for famine stricken areas. He recieved the Grand Commander of the Star of India in 1871.

Portrait of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - 1940s

Morarji Desai as Congress Home Minister of Bombay Presidency - 1937

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Morarji Ranchhodji Desai (29 February 1896 – 10 April 1995) was an Indian independence activist and the Prime Minister of India from 1977–79. He was the first Indian Prime Minister who did not belong to the Indian National Congress. He is the only Indian to receive the highest civilian awards from both India and Pakistan, the Bharat Ratna and Nishaan-e-Pakistan.

Indian Family Group Photo from Mount Abu Rajasthan - 1920s