So this matchbox is interesting because usually the word to describe the picture is an English word written phonetically in Hindi, but this time it's the opposite.
No Hindi on this one, which according to my research so far is quite unusual. It's quite a random one but I like it.
Matchbox #16. Again, it says 'Robin' in Hindi, just written in Hindi script - not the actual word for Robin. And anyway, that doesn't look like any robin I've ever seen.
Been a while since we had one of these. Looks a bit boring, but it's Howrah Bridge from Kolkata and in Hindi it says 'Howrah', as it should.
It's been a while since I found a new one. I quite like this one though!
The Hindi transcription here is, as usual, not translated, just transliterated. I always think that's funny.
Apparently there's a book of Indian matchbox designs. I'm going to ask for it for my birthday.
Another day, another matchbox. 'Chameli' is the Hindi word for jasmine. It's interesting that they didn't translate it when they wrote it in English.
Where do all these different matchboxes come from? Are there really that many different companies making them??
I love this one. Look at her revealing blouse!!
... and here's another which is less exciting but still worth a mention.
I'm filling in some gaps with some new matchbox discoveries. This one is a favourite.
This matchbox says 'My India' at the top (India written phonetically in Hindi, as opposed to the Hindi name for India - Bharat) and at the bottom, slightly oddly, it says 'big size' even though the matches are quite small.
Matchbox #5: on the ground in Defence Colony.
...and another matchbox. Notice the new(ish) symbol for 'rupee' in the top right hand corner. There was a nationwide competition a few years ago for the design and it was won by a PhD student.
Back in Delhi! I should know what the landmark is on the box but I'm not sure ... maybe the gate to the Red Fort? Not sure ... love that it says 'Mega matches'.
Matchbox #2. In Hindi at the top in white it says 'coolie', which is the name for a porter at a train station (hence the picture).
I'm starting a new mini series of Indian matchboxes. Isn't this one great? The best bit is that the Hindi on the top right says 'Jeep'.
