Lime was one of the ingredients used to make pan, which is a small leaf-pouch containing chopped betelnut and spices. It is chewed after meals and traditionally, has been offered at the end of a visit. The vessels containing the ingredients, the finished pouches or both are often highly decorated and at the courtly level were made of the most expensive materials. This box is made using the technique known as bidri, consisting of a zinc alloy with a blackened surface, that originated in the Deccan.