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Detail from a map of India and the Middle East, showing the route of the Prince of Wales' tour

Albert Edward's tour aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries

Travelling inland

From Calcutta, the Prince visited Benares (Varanasi), Lucknow, Delhi and Lahore, using the extensive rail networks that had connected many parts of India from the mid-nineteenth century. The railways were developed by the British Indian Government to transport goods and troops. The network was particularly important during the Indian Rebellion (1857), when Lucknow became one of the five cities in northern India embroiled in the conflict, an event commemorated by the Prince during his visit to the city. The Prince himself opened a new railway bridge for the Punjab Northern State Railways in Wazirabad (now in modern-day Pakistan), which crosses over the River Chenab.

A pencil and wash drawing depicting Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, opening a new railway bridge for the Punjab Northern State Railways in Wazirabad (now in modern-day Pakistan), which crosses over the River Chenab, on 22 January 1876. 

The Prince of Wales riveting the last bolt on the Alexandra railway bridge in the Punjab, 22 January 1876 ©

Bourne & Shepherd (active 1864-1900s)

Rammugger (Ramnagar) Palace, Benares

Lucknow

Crown

Samuel Bourne (1834-1912)

The Kootub (Qutb)

Bourne & Shepherd (active 1864-1900s)

Triumphal Arch, Lahore

Iran and Kashmir

Sword and scabbard

Sialkot (?) (Indian)

Address casket and hammer