The Prince of Wales's Tour of India in 1875-6
Albert Edward's tour aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries
State reception of native princes by the Prince of Wales at Parell, Bombay
9 November 1875RCIN 921106
This watercolour shows the Prince of Wales receiving the Maharao of Cutch. Shortly after his arrival, the Prince hosted a reception to meet with the rulers of western India, in accordance with Indian court customs. He offered attar (perfume) and paan (shavings of betel-nut, various seeds, spices and lime-paste wrapped in a betel-leaf) to each ruler. He also employed court attendants, shown here wearing specially designed uniforms decorated with the Prince of Wales’s feathers. These attendants held flywhisks and peacock-feather fans which were used within the Indian court and during processions.