Design for a Monument to the First Punjab War, 1845-46

Anonymous, British, 19th century

ca. 1846 · Watercolour and graphite, heightened with gouache (bodycolor) · Drawings and Prints

This monument was conceived after the Treaty of Lahore (March 9, 1846) ended the First Punjab War, a conflict between Sikh princes and the British East India Company in northwest India, which resulted in significant territory being ceded to Britain. A large sculptural panel on the front commemorates the Battle of Sobraon (February 10, 1846) where British and Bengali troops prevailed over their Sikh opponents after intense hand-to-hand fighting. A panel at right, rendered obliquely, is identified as showing the Battle of Moodkee (December 18, 1845) at the start of the war. No related monument appears to have ever been built, probably because the Second Punjab and Crimean Wars (1848–49, 1853–56) diverted funds and attention. The unknown designer was influenced by Nelson’s Column (1840–43), recently erected in Trafalgar Square and similarly adorned with battle reliefs and recumbent lions.

Artist

Anonymous, British, 19th century

Date

ca. 1846

Medium

Watercolour and graphite, heightened with gouache (bodycolor)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2016