The crown of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, holds significant historical value and is currently part of the Royal Collection in London, where it remains an enduring symbol of India’s rich history. The crown, along with two ornate throne chairs, was acquired by Major Robert Tytler following the Indian Mutiny of 1857 and the subsequent fall of the Mughal Empire. This key moment in Indian history led to the dismantling of the Mughal dynasty, which had ruled over much of India for centuries.
The fall of the Mughal Empire came in 1857 after the British forces successfully defeated Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, who had been a symbolic leader during the uprising. Zafar, who had nominal control over the Mughal territories, was exiled to Burma (modern-day Myanmar) after the British forces quelled the rebellion. As a result, a significant auction took place in Delhi, marking the formal end of Mughal rule. The auction, organized to sell off the emperor’s prized possessions, saw many valuable items, including Zafar’s crown, precious jewels, and artifacts, sold to the highest bidders. Among those bidders was Major Robert Tytler, a key figure in the Siege of Delhi, who purchased the emperor’s crown and two throne chairs. These items, rich in symbolism, were part of the emperor’s regal heritage and were intended to preserve the legacy of the Mughal Empire.

Major Robert Tytler, having participated in the military actions surrounding the rebellion, took these historic items with him when he returned to England in 1860. Upon his return, Tytler was approached by a Bond Street jeweller, who offered him a substantial sum of £1,000 for the crown. However, instead of accepting the offer, Tytler chose to present the crown and the throne chairs to Queen Victoria, understanding the immense historical significance of these relics.
The presentation of the crown and thrones to Queen Victoria was formalized through communication with Sir Charles Wood, the Secretary of State for India, who wrote to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, describing the crown in detail. He clarified that the item was not a conventional crown but rather a “rich skull-cap” that adorned the head of Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The crown was part of the emperor’s headwear, with a turban wrapped around it. Crafted from a mixture of precious materials, the crown featured gold, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, turquoises, pearls, and velvet. The description provided by Sir Charles Wood revealed that this unique headpiece was not only a regal symbol but also an exquisite work of craftsmanship, indicative of the rich heritage and artistic traditions of the Mughal Empire.
Given the historical and cultural importance of the crown, Prince Albert recognized the value of these items and requested more details. After receiving this information, the crown was sent to Windsor for Queen Victoria’s personal inspection. Upon evaluation, both the crown and the two throne chairs were purchased by Queen Victoria and added to the Royal Collection, where they remain to this day. These objects serve as poignant reminders of the end of the Mughal Empire and the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

Despite the historical value of the crown and chairs, Major Tytler was not entirely satisfied with the price he received. The agreed-upon sum for both the crown and the throne chairs was £500 which Tytler felt was far too low for such historically significant items. Tytler had hoped for a more lucrative deal and expected a favorable appointment upon his return to India, which would justify his efforts in acquiring and presenting these artifacts to the British royal family. However, these promises did not materialize, leaving Tytler and his wife, Harriet Tytler, disillusioned with the outcome. In Harriet Tytler’s memoirs, she recounts how her husband’s dissatisfaction with the transaction persisted for many years, as they both felt that the true value of the items was not reflected in the price paid by Queen Victoria.
Today, the crown of Bahadur Shah Zafar, along with the two throne chairs, remains an important part of the Royal Collection in London. These items not only represent the cultural and artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire but also symbolize the end of an era in Indian history. The crown, in particular, serves as a tangible connection to the once-great Mughal dynasty and its imperial legacy, while also marking the transition to British colonial rule in India. The relics continue to captivate historians, art enthusiasts, and visitors to the Royal Collection, standing as enduring symbols of a bygone era that shaped the history of the Indian subcontinent.