Note 25 — Chapter XIX · THE ENGLISH IN INDIA,—CONCLUDED.

Even so recently as 1827 we find some tolerably regal instances of regal gifts to our Indian representatives. Lord and Lady Amherst on a tour in the provinces arrived at Agra. Lady Amherst received a visit from the wife of Hindoo Row and her ladies. They proceeded to invest Lady Amherst with the presents sent for her by the Byza Bhye. They put on her a turban richly adorned with the most costly diamonds, a superb diamond necklace, ear-rings, anklets, bracelets, and amulets of the same, valued at 30,000l. sterling. A complete set of gold ornaments, and another of silver, was then presented. Miss Amherst was next presented with a pearl necklace, valued at 5,000l., and other ornaments of equal beauty and costliness. Other ladies had splendid presents—the whole value of the gifts amounting to 50,000l. sterling!

In the evening came Lord Amherst’s turn. On visiting the Row, his hat was carried out and brought back on a tray covered. The Row uncovered it, and placed it on his lordship’s head, overlaid with the most splendid diamonds. His lordship was then invested with other jewels to the reputed amount of 20,000l. sterling. Presents followed to the members of his suite. Lady Amherst took this opportunity of retiring to the tents of the Hindu ladies, where presents were again given; and a bag of 1000 rupees to her ladyship’s female servants, and 500 rupees to her interpretess.

Oriental Herald, vol. xiv. p. 444.