PLATE XL.
The most cursory examination of the contributions from the Indian Peninsula to the Great Exhibition could not fail to convey an impression of the great superiority, in point of design, which the objects from itsnorthern districts displayed over those from its southern. As the arrangements of colour, and the adaptations ofthe forms of flowers and foliage, were perceived to be most admirable in Cashmere , so it became apparent thatthe treatment of form and decoration exhibited its highest qualities in Lahore and the Punjaub generally.
It would be difficult to prove more conclusively the excellence of the productions of Northern India thanby the very beautiful crystal vessels which form such conspicuous objects in the group we have now engraved.In these beautiful works we may at once admire the simplicity of the main or bounding lines, the refinementof the ornament employed to decorate them, and the exquisite workmanship which has been devoted to itsapplication.
That constant wonder which arises from contrasting the admirable and elaborate results attained in Indianmanufactures with the simple means by which they were produced, cannot but be excited in an especial degree,when we turn from a consideration of the perfect skill by which these vessels must have been wrought, to adescription of the primitive lapidary’s wheel by which their graceful forms have been elaborated. This con-trivance is described as follows in a passage from the “ Bombay Times,” quoted in the “ Official Illustratedand Descriptive Catalogue: ”—“ The wheel consists of a strong wooden platform, sixteen inches by six, andthree inches thick. In this are two strong wooden uprights; between these is a wooden roller, eight incheslong and three in diameter, fastened into a head at the one end, and this works on an iron spindle or axleat each end. On the one end the axle is screwed and fitted with a nut, by which the cutting or grindingwheel can be made fast. The lap-wheels consist of two circular discs or cakes of lac, with ground korund,
coarse or fine according to the work; of a copper disc for polishing the very hard, and a wooden one for
finishing the work of the softer description of stone. These are spun backwards and forwards by a bow,the string of which passes round the roller. The lapidary sits on his hams, steadying the wheel with hisfoot, and holding on the stone with his left hand while he works the bow with his right.”
For the execution of works upon a larger scale, it appears probable that the Hindoo workmen haveavailed themselves only of a small steel chisel and an iron mallet; and by means of these rude instrumentstheir most elaborate rock-cut carvings have been executed, and the highest polish given to some of the haidest
substances in which their sculptures are produced. Dr. Kennedy, who is quoted by Di. Royle in the
“ Illustrated Catalogue,” remarks that “ with such simple instruments they formed, fashioned, and scraped thegranite rock which forms the tremendous fortress of Dowlatabad, and excavated the wondeiful caverns ofEllora; for it seems by no means probable that the Hindoo stone-cutters ever worked with any other tools.”
The various objects we have grouped together furnish some slight indication of the passion indulged in bythe native princes of India for articles of the most precious and costly description. Not only every sovereign,but almost every petty prince, retains among his dependants many workmen whose lives are spent in ministeringto this aristocratic rage for jewellery. It may readily be imagined, from the valuable nature of the materials with