The crown of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar (r.

The crown of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar (r. 1837 - 1857) Following the first war for independence in the year 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar was overthrown and sent into exile in Burma. In Delhi, the official dissolution of the Mughal Empire was highlighted by the auction of various treasures from Bahadur Shah's court, including jewels and other valuable items. Among these relics were three significant pieces: the emperor's crown and two throne chairs. These were acquired by Major Robert Tytler of the 38th Regiment of Native Infantry (Bengal), who had participated in the Siege of Delhi. Upon returning to England in 1860, Tytler was offered £1,000 for the crown by a Bond Street jeweler but opted to present the relics to Queen Victoria instead. Sir Charles Wood, the Secretary of State for India, corresponded with Prince Albert about Tytler's relics. He described the crown as 'a rich skull-cap adorned with jewels', clarifying that it was not a conventional crown but rather a part of the emperor's headwear, around which the turban was wrapped. Recognizing the historical significance of the relics, Prince Albert requested further details about the owner's expectations for the crown and the two throne chairs. Subsequently, the crown was sent to Windsor for Queen Victoria's inspection, and both the crown and the throne chairs were eventually purchased by the Queen. Despite feeling that the offered price of £500 was too low, Tytler agreed to the sale in the hope of a favorable appointment upon his return to India. However, no such appointment materialized, leaving Tytler and his wife, Harriet Tytler, dissatisfied with the transaction, a sentiment that endured for decades, as recounted in Harriet Tytler's memoirs.