Carved leaf, architectural ornament from Cawnpore, 1859 (c)

Finished sandstone leaf set into concrete within a shallow metal circular dish, maker unknown.

Taken from the memorial to the victims of the Cawnpore Massacre erected after the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859).

On 6 June 1857, during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859), rebel forces under Nana Sahib laid siege to Cawnpore. The garrison of British and Indians, half of whom were women and children, held out for 20 days before surrendering on the promise of a safe conduct. As they embarked on the boats which were to carry them to safety, almost all the men were murdered, the remnant were later shot.

The women and children were returned as captives to Cawnpore, where they were later massacred on the approach of a British relief column.