 |
 |
| Clive's huqqa smoking set Credit: PA / DCMStelegraph.co.uk |
 |
| jewel-encrusted flask. Robert Clive. telegraph.co.uk |
Robert Clive's famous victory over the Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah (1733 – 2 July 1757) during the Battle of Plassey
 |
| Nawab of Bengal Siraj ud-Daulahen.wikipedia.org |
on 23 June 1757 changed the fate of the Indian subcontinent. Clive got rid of the Nawab by instigating Nawab's own relatives to kill him. Thus began the land-grabbing spree, exploitation of Indian natives, natural resources, etc.., by the British masters. Coming back to Clive, when he landed in England after retirement, he amassed so much wealth, he had to face an enquiry commission that brought corruption charges against him . To defend his case, he gave a spirited speech before the Parliament, but ultimately ended his life by committing suicide. An able administrator and an excellent military officer with amazing leadership qualities, till this day, he remains a controversial man - an enigma.
Once in a while, the British media is flooded with some news items on the plundered colonial Indian antiques /artifacts that come up for auction at the British auction houses. A few years ago When Tipu Sultan's heavy gold ring (with Devnagari inscription of "RAM", worn at the time of his death in 1799) was put up for auction by the descendants of lord Wellesley, the sensational scoop appeared in the front page of many British papers. The descendants of some of the famous Indian colonial officers, seek the refuge of famous auction houses to sell the hoards plundered by their forefathers in India. They do it for the purpose of tidying over their financial difficulties.
An extremely rare jeweled flask given to Clive of India after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 could be exported from the UK unless a buyer can match the £6 million price tag. plus VAT of £1.2 million. The flask has a silver interior and a gold exterior decorated in jade, emeralds and rubies. The flask can be taken overseas unless a museum or individual can match the asking price of 6 million pounds (about $73 million).
The huqqa set of Clive has a price of £240,000,00 plus VAT of £48,000.00. This rare piece is set with white sapphires and rubies and was part of an original collection at the imperial court in Delhi, taken to the UK from India.
In the very beginning of this year in January, 2017, Culture Minister Matt Hancock had put a temporary export ban on the rare jewelled flask and on Clive's huqqa smoking set. This was done to save the jeweled Mogul treasures for the nation, besides offering a chance for the UK buyers to buy them.
Mr Hancock had put exports ban on the treasures following their sale, on the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Arts and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA). Many people view, the ban by the British government is a good move and will save the historical items associated with colonial India.
Mr Hancock said: "These treasures are not only exquisite, they provide us with a glimpse into the fascinating lifestyle and traditions of the Mughal Court and the British presence in India at the time.
I hope that we are able to keep these unique artifacts in the country to learn more about this extraordinary history."
Tit-Bits:
01. The collection of Mogul treasures was bought for £4.7 million by Sheikh Saud al-Thani, a cousin of the Emir of Qatar, at Christie's in London in April for a museum of Islamic art in the Gulf state. The other items included were jewelled ceremonial dagger, etc. In total, the Sheikh paid £15 million for the entire stuff amassed by Robert Clive.
02. Vida Schreiber, had inherited part of the collection from her first husband, Viscount Clive. The members of the family wanted to sell it after her death.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/18/export-ban-Clive-Indias-6m-rare-jewelled-flask/
https://asianlite.com/news/uk-news/export-ban-on-clives-jewelled-flask-hookah/
