Inheriting the India Museum collection

The London-based India Museum was formed in 1801 by the East India Company. At its peak, the aggressive trading body was the biggest corporation in the world and ruled large areas of India.

The India Museum’s wide-ranging collections, formed from loot, gifts and purchases, were intended to educate visitors about India’s resources and industries. They also demonstrated the East India Company’s power and influence. The South Kensington Museum (now V&A) received over 19,000 objects from the India Museum when it closed in 1879, some of which you can see here.

Written by: Avalon Fotheringham, Asia Curator
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
3486(IS)
Description
Shield
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
Sialkot, late 19th century
Object information
Museum Number
08303:2/(IS)
Description
Jewellery
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
Maharashtra, c.1866
Object information
Museum Number
3906(IS)
Description
measure
Object information
Museum Number
02593(IS)
Description
Huqqa base
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
Mughal Empire, 18th century
Materials/Techniques
Nephrite, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Gold, Lapis lazuli, Opaque blue glass (simulating turquoise), Pyrope garnet, Ruby
Object information
Museum Number
583(IS)
Description
Matsya
Location and Date
Benares, ca.1780s
Materials/Techniques
Casting
Object information
Museum Number
01226(IS)
Description
Cage with clockwork singing bird
Location and Date
nabha, c. 1870
Materials/Techniques
Silver
Object information
Museum Number
8251(IS)
Description
Bodice
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
India, ca. 1855-1879
Materials/Techniques
Cotton (textile), Mica, Woven, Printed, Applied work
Object information