Conch shell with carved design. Conch shells (sankha or shankha) are common accessories of ascetics...

Bhai Maharaj Singh Collection Illustrator: Anon India, 1840's Source/Shelfmark: F.5009 F.5010 F.5011 F.5012 F.5013 & panj.A.7 These objects belonged to Bhai Maharaj Singh, a Sikh warrior and leader who was a key player in the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49). The objects listed were confiscated by Henry Vansittart in 1849 and were given to the India Office Library between 1925 and 1927 by his son. This one has been cut at the tip so it can be blown into to make a loud noise. During the lifetime of Bhai Maharaj Singh conches such as this were used during daily religious activities. The shell measures 17 cm across at its longest point. F5009 - Conch shell F5010 - Finger ring F5011 - Small knife F5012 - Sewing needle and cotton F5013 - Two steel quoits Mss Panj.A7 - Two hymns and a formula