The yantra may be one of a series of geometric diagrams that are believed to hold magical or mystical powers and are used as a tool to aid meditation. Used in both Hindu and Buddhist religions, each yantra may take a different form to represent a particular deity and they can also be transferred onto an object that can be kept as a charm or an amulet. This yantra, having two intersecting, opposed triangles encircled by eight lotus petals, resembles a Bhuvaneswari yantra.
It was acquired by William Tayler during his time in India (1829-1867). He subsequently sold it to the South Kensington Museum (later renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum) in 1874 for the sum of £4-0-0. William Tayler was educated in England at Charterhouse and also spent a term at Christ Church, Oxford. He entered service with the East India Company on 30th April 1829, arriving in India in October of the same year. He held various posts in Bengal and was appointed Commissioner of Patna in 1855. During his service, he was able to acquire many objects, including hardstones, relating to the customs and religions of India as well as objects from other parts of South Asia. He was criticised for his handling of the 1857 uprisings in Northern India and was moved to a lesser post before being suspended, ultimately resigning on 29th March 1859. He then practised as an advocate in the law courts of Bengal before returning to England in 1867. He wrote a book about his experiences, entitled Thirty-eight Years in India, in which he states that "After my return to England, circumstances induced me, though with great reluctance, to part with the collection which is now in the South Kensington Museum".