SOME of the finest Indian treasures from the Royal Collection will go on display in a touring exhibition coming to Bradford.

Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince’s Tour of India 1875–76 - at Cartwright Hall in March - tells the story of the grand tour of India made by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) at the end of the 19th century.

In October 1875, the Prince set off on a four-month tour, visiting more than 20 places which today encompass India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal.

Preceding the declaration of his mother, Queen Victoria, as the Empress of India, his visit sought to establish personal links with local rulers and strengthen ties.

The exhibition traces the tour through watercolours, photographs and 74 exquisite works of art presented to the Prince. Many were precious heirlooms from the rulers’ toshakhanas, while others were specially commissioned from local artisans.

On his return to Britain, the Prince made arrangements for the items to go on public display, first at the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum), and later at museums across the UK.

Newspapers encouraged the Victorian public to see these extraordinary works of art.

Highlights of the exhibition include a gold enamelled and diamond-set ink stand in the form of a State Barge, presented during the Prince’s visit to the holy Hindu city of Benares.

The Prince had sailed four miles down the River Ganges on a similar vessel.

Also on display will be a Service of State, or durbar set, presented to the Prince during his visit to the city of Mysore in the southern state of Karnataka. Made of gold and engraved with floral decoration, it comprises plates, trays, spice boxes, an attardan (perfume holder) and a pandan (betel-nut holder) – objects associated with welcoming guests to an Indian court.

A spectacular enamelled gold plate and attardan, from the city of Jaipur decorated with bands of floral and foliate patterns, and images of animals and palaces, was at its time of creation the largest ever produced in Jaipur enamel and reportedly took four years to make. Adorned with pearls, the intricately decorated attardan opens like a lotus flower.

Other items include a set of small brass military figures, presented to the Prince during his visit to Madras.

All individually sculpted, the figures reflect the different nationalities of soldiers who served in the regional armies of South India. They were reportedly created for Timma Razu, the 18th-century Raja of Peddapuram, on the advice of his astrologer, so he could review his troops daily without bloodshed.

An ornate dagger has an enamelled and bejewelled handle and a scabbard with a blade filled with loose seed pearls, and a dazzling sirpech (turban ornament) is made of three large emeralds, bordered by red enamel and diamonds.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid, said: “I’m thrilled that Cartwright Hall is working with Royal Collection Trust to launch this exhibition.

"I’m sure many people from across our district and beyond will visit Cartwright Hall to see the exquisite objects on display.

"Anyone with an interest in the history of India, the royal family, art, metal craft or just beautiful things will, I’m sure, enjoy this."

  • Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince’s Tour of India 1875–76 is at Cartwright Hall from March 11 to June 18.