SMI 4: Kalgi from the collection of Frederick Duleep Singh
Date: 1800-1840
Orginal Location: Sikh Empire, Lahore, Punjab
Present location: Private collection

This Turban ornament comprising of green emeralds and the red rubies The gold grade is 24 carat. The original would have had a tassel to tie it around a turban. Worn by Prince Fredrick Duleep Singh (1868 – 1926).

Additional information

On arriving in London, the India Office returned to Maharani Jind Kaur her casket of Jewels from Lahore which had been confiscated when she had escaped from British custody.  Jind Kaur lived in the UK from January 1861 where she remained until her death in Kensington, London, on 1 August 1863. Her jewels were passed down to her son Maharajah Duleep Singh and thence to his various children. This Kalgi was kept by his sons when they were young boys and by descent to his son Prince Frederick Duleep Singh. He later gifted this to his Batman (personal servant) and by descent to present owner.

EXHIBITED: The Maharajah Exhibition, Ancient House Museum, Thetford (2010-11)