Garland (Har), metal-thread embroidery with coat of arms of Datia State, Madhya Pradesh, c.20th century; Textiles; Accessories

Garland with links interlaced silk and metal ribbon (gota), seperated by two circular medallions of with pink silk embroidery and metal embellishments surrounded by tinsel. Teardrop-shaped pendant with embroidered coat of arms of Datia State in metal embellishments against a pink embroidered background, surrounded by tinsel. Garland has been stretched and flattened out of shape.

Gift of Mrs Elizabeth Quayle

IS.113-1985 Register entry: ' 6 ceremonial necklaces or har 19th century Bundelkhand, Central India. Probably acquired by the grandfather of the donor, Colonel Sir Donald E. Robertson in the second half of the 19th century. See RPs [Registered Papers] for family connections with India.

113: Necklace consisting of chain of floral motifs made of gilt wire, sequins, mounted on cloth, stiffened with paper. Main central motif arms of Datia State with motto Vir dalap Shrandah (Lord of the Brave, Giver of Refuge) beneath.

113a: Ditto. Both a & b have arms in cut out free form

113b, c, d: Ditto. But c & d & e all are similarly constructed. The 'cord of one necklace made of interlocking chain in gilt and cotton tape. The motto enclosed in overall heart shape with pink silk ground on cardboard base, & small [illegible] similarly constructed dividing up the chain length

113e: Necklace or har consisting of set of parallel rows of gilt covered cotton cord with large coat of arms of Orcha State with motto Bindu do Durgameshah 'the giver of the drops of blood has become Lord of the inaccessible regions'. The heraldic device consists of two lions rampant bearing banners but lacking the figure of Devi Vindhyarasini, which should appear between them. The device is gilt wire & sequin decoration on cardboard base covered in green silk on front face and burgundy velvet on rear. 4 smaller plaques divide up the chain.

Bibliography: See C.E. Laund 'Central India State Gazetteer Series, Easter Series (Bundelkhand), vol. VI A [illegible] Lucknow [illegible] 1907, especially pp.ii & between pp.92-94

IS.113D-1985