Imperial Crown of India

ImperialCrownOfIndia2

Imperial Crown of India

The Imperial Crown of India is a significant piece of the British Crown Jewels, created for George V of the United Kingdom to wear at the Delhi Durbar in December 1911. The event marked the proclamation of George V and his wife, Mary of Teck, as Emperor and Empress of India. Due to the laws prohibiting the removal of the traditional Crown Jewels from the United Kingdom, a new crown was commissioned for the ceremony in India.

Design and Description

The Imperial Crown of India was designed by the British jewellers Garrard & Co. It is made of gold and is set with a remarkable array of precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, totaling over 6,000 gems. The crown follows a similar design to the traditional St Edward's Crown, featuring a cap of purple velvet enclosed by hoops of gold that come together at a monde, topped with a cross. The front cross holds a magnificent spinel, which is often mistaken for a ruby due to its deep red color.

One of the most distinctive features of the Imperial Crown of India is its lack of a fleur-de-lis, a common element in other British crowns, replaced by lotus flowers to symbolize India. The crown also includes eight half-arches, unlike the traditional four or two seen in European crowns, which meet at a globe and cross at the top, symbolizing the Christian world.

Historical Significance

The Imperial Crown of India holds a unique place in the history of the British monarchy. It was only worn once by George V during the Delhi Durbar ceremony, making it one of the least used crowns in the royal collection. The event itself was a grand affair, intended to reinforce the bond between Britain and India, and the creation of a specific crown for the occasion underscored the importance of India within the British Empire.

Following the independence of India in 1947, the crown lost its original ceremonial purpose. It is now part of the Crown Jewels, housed in the Tower of London, where it remains a popular exhibit, symbolizing the historical ties between the United Kingdom and India.

Legal and Cultural Considerations

The Imperial Crown of India's creation was necessitated by the law against taking the Crown Jewels out of the country. This law underscores the deep cultural and historical significance of the Crown Jewels to the United Kingdom, representing the continuity and legacy of the British monarchy.

The crown's design, incorporating Indian motifs such as the lotus flower, was a deliberate attempt to blend British and Indian cultural symbols, reflecting the imperial relationship. However, in the contemporary context, it also serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious history of British colonial rule in India.

Conclusion

The Imperial Crown of India is a remarkable artifact that encapsulates a unique moment in the history of the British Empire. Its creation for the Delhi Durbar and its singular use by George V highlight the lengths to which the British monarchy went to cement its relationship with India. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich, intertwined histories of the United Kingdom and India, housed among the Crown Jewels as a symbol of their shared past.