‘Presents to the King of Persia and Imaum [Imam] of Muscat’

Content

The item consists of extracts of Political Letters and Political Consultations from the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. relating to gifts of glassware and porcelain for the King of Persia and the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat. In particular, the extracts are concerned with the decision to detain, in India, the glassware intended for the King of Persia until further instructions from the Home Authorities can be received. This is due to the recent refusal of the Court of Persia to receive an envoy from the Indian Government. After receiving dispatches from Henry Willock, His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Tehran, the order is given to transport the gifts to Bushire so that they may be conveyed to the King.

Correspondents include: the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. ; the Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. ; William Newnham, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. ; George Swinton, referred to as Chief Secretary to the Supreme Government; Henry Willock, His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Tehran; Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay; T Hoiver, Warehouse keeper; Captain Ephraim Gerrish Stannus, Resident in the Persian Gulph [Gulf].

The item also contains a table of contents noting the page number, date, author and recipient of each letter (f 6 recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. ). Despite appearing in the title and in the first extract Political Letter, no further mention of gifts to the Imaum of Muscat appears in the item.

The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department P.C. 598, Draft 444, 1828/9', ‘Collection No. 8’ and 'Examiner's Office 1828’.

Extent and format

1 item (21 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at f 21, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival item

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/F/4/1060/29120

History of this record

Date(s)

2 Mar 1824-23 Nov 1825 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Gifts

People & organisations

Government of Bengal, Chief SecretaryGovernment of Bombay, Chief SecretaryShah of Persia, Qajar dynasty

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Cite this record in your research

‘Presents to the King of Persia and Imaum [Imam] of Muscat’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/F/4/1060/29120, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000001779.0x0001cd> [accessed 5 July 2026]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000001779.0x0001cd

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