Frist printed depiction of Taj Mahal makes 31,250 pounds

London, Oct 5 (PTI) The first printed depiction of the
majestic Taj Mahal has been sold for 31,250 pounds at Bonham's
"India and Beyond: Travel and Photography" sale here.
The book sold on Tuesday, estimated at 30,000-35,000
pounds, included a volume of aquatint views of India by
William Hodges who travelled through the country in the 1780s
executing drawings on the spot.
In the depiction, the Taj appears in the background of
the Agra Fort, suggesting that Hodges was more interested in
the military installation than the building which emerged as a
symbol of eternal love.
Earlier in a similar sale, a complete copy of Emily
Eden's "Portraits of the Princes and People of India" was sold
for 46,850 pounds against an estimate of 20,000-30,000 pounds.
It was based on original drawings by Eden who lived in
India from 1835–1842 when her brother, Lord Auckland, was the
Governor General.
Published in 1844, this exceptionally rare folio of 24
hand-coloured card mounted lithographs covered the panoply of
life in the court of the Sikh rulers of Punjab, from
Maharajahs and Nawabs to Fakirs, servants and attendants.
PTI HSR
MNS