Quran (incomplete), paper inscribed and painted with illuminations in a vellum binding, Mughal, 18th century; Manuscript

Miniature Quran [section of], missing cover, in vellum binding. Frontispiece is illuminated, the rest of the pages inscribed within gold frames

Given by Miss C. A. Cannon

According to the donor this Quran was owned by Bahadur Shah, the last Mughal emperor, until it was abandoned in the Palace at Delhi during the 1857 uprising and was discovered by Sir Theophilus Metcalf, Magistrate of Delhi. Sir Theophilus presented it to Mrs Henry Mills Cannon, whose daughter Miss C. Cannon gave it to the Museum in 1912.

A letter on the Nominal File states: 'Antique Koran. Found under the pillows of the old King of Delhi on his capture by us at the fall of Delhi, during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 by Sir Theophilus Metcalfe [sic] Chief Magistrate at Delhi, who was foremost in the work of retribution. This Koran was given by Sir Theophilus Metcalfe to my mother (Mrs Henry Mills Cannon) soon after the fall of Delhi. The date of the book is uncertain ["probably about 1660" inserted] - It is a peculiar fine specimen. The gold being of a peculiarly exquisite quality. It contains the XIX (?) Book of the Koran - and includes the stories of Joseph, of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba etc. The King of Delhi probably kept it about him as an [sic] "charm".'

Caspar Stanley Clarke added to the file 'It might possibly date from the 17th century as stated, but the illuminated title-page suggests a later period. As an addition to the H.E.I.C. collection, historically speaking, it is of interest.' (16.II.12)

Miss Cannon offered the museum an ivory casket, also taken by Metcalf and supposed to have contained the Quran. It was rejected for purchase, but later bought by the Museum (IS 35-1937).

Given by Miss C. A. Cannon, 9 Burton Court, London, S.W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1912- 824M

IM.18-1912