THE TRADITIONAL TREASSURE OF INDIANS PLUNDERED BY BRITONS

We have all heard about the stories of the immeasurable art and cultural heritage India holds. We are also aware of the numerous attempts made by foreign rulers to plunder our wealth. This is one such story, where we have managed to collect a list of priceless artifacts taken away during the British rule. The eminence of our art and culture is beyond time and value. We hope to deliver the greatness of these artifacts, and its history through this article.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Throne:

Hafez Muhammad Multani[Goldsmith] made a throne for Maharaja Ranjit Singh  between 1820 to 1830. The throne’s outer surface was engraved with gold sheets and inside was made of wood and resin core. This throne is composed of two tiers of lotus petals. Traditionally lotus throne had been used by kings. Even though Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a king, he followed simplicity and rarely sat on his throne. After second Anglo-Sikh war, Singh’s throne was taken by British in 1849. It was displayed at an exhibition in London. Later the throne was passed on to Queen Victoria and after that, to the Albert Museum. Indian government asked the British to get back the throne to India during 20th century but eventually the claim was denied.

 

Sandstone Sculpture of Hairhara:

Few years ago, British Museum shared the sandstone sculpture of Harihara’s picture on their twitter page. This spectacular sculpture of Harihara is almost 1000years old. Hari represent lord Vishnu and hara denotes to lord Shiva. This sculpture was collected by Major-General Charles Stuart. Stuart was working as an soldier at East Indian Company. He got so attracted by our Indian culture. So, he studied Indian literatures, languages and followed Hinduism values. He even performed hindu rituals in public, During his stay in India during, he spent most of his life collecting art works and sculptures that carried Indian heritage. When he passed away, his collection was sold at two auctions in London which was bought by John Bridge. After the death of John bridge, his relatives donated his collection to the British Museum in 1872.

 

Tipu Sultan ring:

One of greatest Indian ruler, that fought against the British colonialism was King Tipu Sultan, who ruled the kingdom of Mysore. The Marathas supported the British East Indian Company in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore war and planned to kill Tipu Sultan. Tipu was killed on 4^th May 1799 while defending his fort of Seringapatam. When he died, his ring was taken away from him by the British General. The top of the ring was inscribed with the name of Lord RAMA in Devanagri script. The 41.2g golden ring was sold out for about 10 times its estimated price at an auction in London. The ring was sold for 145,000 Dollars.

 

Nassak Diamond:

Initially the kingdom of Mysore owned the Nassak Diamond. Then the Mughals took this diamond from kingdom of Mysore and later this was passed to the Great Nana Peshwe when he defeated the Mughals. After Nana Peshwe’s victory, he gave his treasury to Trimbakeshwar Temple in 1725. Blue Nassak Diamond also called as “Eye of Lord Shiva”. As the diamond was passed hand to hand, the diamond was cut often by its owner. The present size of the diamond is 43.38 Carats. The Nassak Diamond was originally estimated to be Larger than 89 Carats in 15^th century. This diamond was captured by British East Indian Company during 3^rd Anglo-Maratha war which was sold to British jewelers. Currently the diamond is at a private museum in London. Recently the Trustee of Trimbakeshwar Temple claimed to get back their heritage blue Nassak diamond.

Amaravati Marbles:

Did you know, there are 120 sculptures and inscriptions of Amaravati Marbles in the British Museum in London? The Amaravati Stupa made of limestone carvings were dated from around 100AD, originally established at Guntur District in AndraPradesh. Those Amaravati Marbles were discovered on the bank of river Krishna in 1800s. The intricate carvings which depict scenes from the life of Buddha and are about 2000 years old. During the 19^th century, they were excavated by two British Military explorers and sold to the British Museum.

 

Though they were from India, it now belongs to the British museums and other invaders. Indian government has not officially requested to get back the taken heritage, and Indian historians too support this stand. When asked, the historians claim that these invasions are a part of the history and it would remain that way. Also some have added that it would be protected as it is. Express your views in the comment session.

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