Splendours of the Subcontinent
A catalogue to accompany the Royal Collection exhibition
Kajal Meghani
216 pages
The place of royal ritual in the making and breaking of the Raj is revealed through its rich and complex material culture
Reviews in History

Cover of Splendours of the Subcontinent ©
Hardback, 254 x 210mm, Over 150 colour illustrations
ISBN 978 1 909741 42 3
In October 1875, Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, set off on a four-month tour of the Indian subcontinent. During his travels the Prince was presented with a wide array of beautiful gifts ranging from brooches to swords and from military figures to an articulated golden fish. Each item was intricately wrought, often in precious metals with jewel-encrusted details. Not only did the presentation of these pieces forge a personal link between the Prince and the gift-giver, but, as a collection, these exquisite objects proved to be highly influential on European taste and design.
This fascinating publication presents the reader with a miscellany of South Asian works of art, through which the author tells the story of the Prince’s journey alongside the history of these intriguing objects.
Kajal Meghani was Exhibition Assistant Curator for the exhibition Splendours of the Subcontinent.
Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince's Tour of India 1875-6
Some of the finest treasures presented to the Prince of Wales during his tour of India
Special Royal Collection online price. Every purchase helps us to care for and increase access to the Royal Collection.
Highlights from the publication
Enamelled by Hira Singh, Jaipur
Perfume holder
Possibly Madras and Orissa
Perfume holder
Probably western India
Perfume holder
Kapurthala, c.1870–5
Four perfume holders
Possibly enamelled by Ghuma Singh, Jaipur
Cup and saucer
Nahan Foundry, Nahan
Pair of rosewater sprinklers
Jaipur
Bottle and salver
Kashmir