An Indian silver beaker

UNMARKED, 19TH CENTURY

Details
An Indian silver beaker
unmarked, 19th century
Cylindrical, with two reeded bands and everted rim, the body prick engraved with Hindi inscription and later English inscription
3¼in. (8.3cm.) high
15ozs. (466grs.)
The Hindi inscription 'Shree' was engraved as an auspicious symbol on valuable domestic and religious objects

The later inscription reads 'FOUND IN A TANK AT THE CAPTURE OF NURGOOND E.I. JUNE 1ST 1858. G.T.P.'
Provenance

Lot Essay

DURING THE INDIAN MUTINY THE CHIEF OF NURGOOND, A PETTY STATE IN SOUTHERN MAHRATTA, REFUSED TO HAND OVER THE LARGE GUNS IN HIS POSSESION. THIS, TOGETHER WITH HIS INVOLVEMENT IN THE MURDER OF THE LOCAL BRITISH POLITICAL AGENT LED TO THE DISPATCH OF A PUNITIVE FORCE CONSISTING OF TWO COMPANIES OF THE 74TH HIGLANDERS AND A COMPANY OF NATIVE INFANTRY. THE TOWN AND FORT WAS ATTACKED ON THE 1 AND 2 JUNE 1858. SOME CASUALTIES ENSUED INCLUDING THE BRAHMIN IN CHARGE OF THE TEMPLE WHO DROWNED HIMSELF IN THE WELL OF THE FORT.

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