Shah Alum in distress; engraving dated 1773. 'A design in two compartments illustrating an article in Biblical phraseology;

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Shah Alum in distress; engraving dated 1773. 'A design in two compartments illustrating an article in Biblical phraseology; 'The First Chapter of the Book of Kings' and 'The Lamentations'. In the upper part is depicted a meeting of the General Court of the East India Company; the directors seated at a table on which are writing materials; a book; and a hammer. In the foreground a large man; Governor Johnston; is holding up by the seat of his breeches 'Shah Alum' or Sir George Colebrook for the derision of the other directors. In the background; behind a barrier; a crowd of men; apparently the proprietors of East India Stock; watch the proceedings with amusement. A ship with broken masts in heavy seas is driving on to rocks (right); on which is a flag-staff with a flag inscribed 'Treasury Cape'. On the right margin is inscribed 'L. 40; 00; 00'. This symbolizes the ruinous state of the Company's finances; on the verge of bankruptcy and burdened with an annual tribute of £400; 000 to the Treasury.'

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Size: 3222px × 6508px
Location:
Photo credit: © World History Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1773, alum, archival, archive, british, company, dated, distress, east, empire, engraving, historical, history, india, inquiry, shah, ship, wreck