An Ekka Cart from Benaras

Black & white picture postcard of British India with the title- An Ekka Cart from Benares.

The Ekkas or single horse carts were used as private hire vehicles in the 19th Century India. Ekkas (Native horse drawn carriage) was the earliest vehicle in Hindusthan. This carriage had a flat floor with a canopy providing shade to the passengers. Traditionally, they lacked springs and seats, with the passengers having to sit on their haunches and withstand the jolts transmitted by the wheels.