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Jhalidar Palki
Etching by Francois Balthazar Solvyns, Les Hindous, Vol. III, Liv. 8, No. 3 (Paris:1810). Adapted from Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr., A Portrait of the Hindus: Balthazar Solvyns Life and Work. Oxford University Press, 2004., and reprinted with permission. On "The Solvyns Project," see: http://asnic.utexas.edu/asnic/cas/SolvynsProject.html
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Text by Solvyns for the Paris edition: J'HALLEDAR:
The J'halledar... is the palanquin of radjas and rich noblemen, and is generally covered with rich stuffs embroidered in silk or gold, which extend over the bambou. The end of this bambou sometimes represent[s] the head and the tail of a tiger, or some other animal, whose feet form the ornament of the bottom of the [palki]....

 

Traveling between dak bungalows, palkis were often used 
Credit: sir Henry Yule's Hobson-Jobson:
 
[The dak bingalow was a] small traveler's overnight accommodation built and maintained by the British Raj. (They still exist in various parts of India.)
On principal lines of thoroughfare these bungalows were at a distance of 10 to 15 miles apart, so that it was possible for a traveller to make his journey by marches without carrying a tent. On some less frequented roads they were 40 or 50 miles apart, adapted to a night's run in a palankin.