Punkah Collection

An Indian woman at a gala seated on a rich carpet with containers of betelnut and perfume
FLO4623936 An Indian woman at a gala seated on a rich carpet with containers of betelnut and perfume, attended by an ayah or servants with punya (fan), pawn and snake hookah pipe

Barburdar, punkah wallah or fan bearer, in loincloth and turban, with fan made of a palmyra leaf
FLO4565348 Barburdar, punkah wallah or fan bearer, in loincloth and turban, with fan made of a palmyra leaf. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by an unknown artist from " Asiatic Costumes

Sale at Calcutta of valuable government presents and Lucknow jewels, 1860. Creator: Unknown
Sale at Calcutta of valuable government presents and Lucknow jewels, 1860. The sale of the valuable presents received during the late tour of his Excellency the Right Honourable the Governor-General

PUNKAH-WALLAH
A PUNKAH-WALLAH keeps the air moving while eleven servants wait on 8 or 9 British diners Date: circa 1840

Ninety-Two in the Shade, Sketches on Board a Steamer Homeward Bound from India (engraving)
1047604 Ninety-Two in the Shade, Sketches on Board a Steamer Homeward Bound from India (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ninety-Two in the Shade)

An Indian woman seated on a rich carpet attended by servants
An Indian woman at a gala seated on a rich carpet with containers of betelnut and perfume, attended by an ayah or servants with punya (fan), pawn and snake hookah pipe

Punkah - type of ventilator 1886
A " punkah" -type of ventilator for keep cool during warm weather or heat wave, comprising of a large fan flap set above a table, operated by foot pedals

A Visit to India, IV (engraving)
1049333 A Visit to India, IV (engraving) by Ralston, William (1848-1911) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Visit to India, IV)

The Afghan War, with the Bombay Division, Sketches on the March (engraving)
1058767 The Afghan War, with the Bombay Division, Sketches on the March (engraving) by Corbould, Alfred Chantrey (1852-1920); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Afghan War, with the Bombay Division)

The Yule Log in India —Bringing in the Ice, from "The Graphic"
The Yule Log in India -- Bringing in the Ice, from " The Graphic" Christmas Number, December 2, 1889

A Messenger is Dispatched: Page from a Dispersed Manuscript, last quarter of the 17th century

Jat Sirdars with attendant, India
Three Jat Sirdars (Sikh leaders) with attendant, India. Date: circa 1890s

European lady attended by a servant using a hand punkah
A European lady and guests attended by a servant using a hand punkah (or fan). (Plate 16 of 20). Date: 1813

English Family at table under a Punkah, or fan, kept in motion by a Khelassy (or Punkahwallah). (Plate 8 of 20). Date: 1813

European Gentleman in Private Office attended by his Duftoree, of Native Office-keeper. (plate 2 of 20) Date: 1813

Mechanical Cooling
A " punkah" -type ventilator for keep cool during warm weather or heat wave, comprising of a large fan operated by foot pedals

British at Dinner
The British dine while a punkah-wallah cools the air : the servants seem to outnumber the guests

Curry&rice / Housekeeping
The Judges wife watches over the housekeeping

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"Punkah: A Journey Through Time and Culture" Step into the world of punkah, a fascinating device that has left its mark on various aspects of history. From engravings depicting scenes aboard steamers to hunting expeditions in distant lands, the punkah's presence is undeniable. In "The Sleepy Punkah-Wallah, " an engraving captures the essence of this unique contraption. It showcases a skilled individual tirelessly pulling ropes to create a gentle breeze, providing relief from sweltering heat. This image transports us back to colonial India when punkah-wallahs were an integral part of daily life. "Ninety-Two in the Shade" takes us on board a steamer homeward bound from India, where passengers seek respite from scorching temperatures with the aid of punkahs. These simple yet effective ventilators ensured comfort during long journeys across vast oceans. Delving deeper into cultural influences, we encounter Arabian and Spanish hunting scenes adorned with intricate details. Amidst these vibrant depictions lies evidence of punkahs being utilized even during leisurely pursuits – proof that their benefits extended beyond practicality alone. An enchanting glimpse into Indian royalty unfolds as we witness an elegant woman seated on a rich carpet attended by her devoted servants. The presence of a punkah hints at opulence and luxury within her surroundings – a symbol not only of status but also comfort amidst grandeur. Fast forward to 1886 when the term "punkah" was officially recognized as a type of ventilator. Its significance grew exponentially as it became synonymous with cooling systems worldwide – revolutionizing how people sought solace from oppressive climates. "The Afghan War" brings forth images etched onto paper capturing soldiers marching through treacherous terrains while relying on portable fans for relief against nature's wrath. In times both peaceful and tumultuous, the trusty punkah stood tall as an ally against discomfort.