Issued in February 1957, this original Indian travel poster entitled Tajmahal – India was produced by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity for the Ministry of Transport. Published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India, it formed part of an official campaign promoting the country’s architectural and cultural heritage to an international audience.
The composition presents the Taj Mahal from its most celebrated viewpoint, looking directly along the central reflecting pool. The white marble mausoleum and its four minarets rise with remarkable clarity above the dark silhouettes of the surrounding cypress trees. Small figures walking through the gardens provide a sense of scale while preserving the monument’s serene and monumental presence.
The long reflecting pool creates a strong central perspective, leading the viewer from the foreground toward the great dome. Its mirrored surface reinforces the perfect symmetry for which the Taj Mahal is renowned. The restrained grey-green tones give the photograph a timeless atmosphere, while the pale lettering “TAJMAHAL – INDIA” stands out clearly against the dark foreground.
Built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is one of the great masterpieces of Indo-Islamic architecture. Produced only ten years after Indian independence, this poster demonstrates how the newly independent country used its most internationally recognizable monument to communicate a refined and enduring national identity.
Printed in photogravure by Shiv-Raj Fine Art Litho Works in Nagpur, the poster was issued in an edition of 25,000 copies. Its official government provenance, atmospheric photographic design and iconic architectural subject make it particularly appealing to collectors of Indian history, vintage tourism, mid-century photography and international travel posters.
Original poster
Tourism - Asia - Temple - India
Chiv Raj Fine Art Litho Works - Najpour
Good condition, light folds
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.