THE DEFENCE OF THE ARRAH HOUSE: A CHROMOLITHOGRAPH AFTER WILLIAM TAYLER (1808-1892)
England, second half 19th century

THE DEFENCE OF THE ARRAH HOUSE: A CHROMOLITHOGRAPH AFTER WILLIAM TAYLER (1808-1892)
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE UK ESTATE
England, second half 19th century

Polychrome lithograph print on paper, depicting the Defence of the Arrah House during the Indian Mutiny in 1857, published by W. Thacker & Co. of London after a painting by William Tayler, the Commissioner of Patna, mounted, glazed and framed by the Parker Gallery, London, on the reverse a handwritten note by William Tayler himself describing the events of that day and acknowledging the skills and courage of R. V. Boyle ensuring the safety of the Garrison during the attack, 33.8cm x 50cm excluding the frame.

During the sepoy rebellion, the House at Arrah situated in the state of Bihar, North-Eastern India, was attacked in early July 1857 by mutineers from Dinapore. Inside the house, there were six officials, the Judge, Collector, Magistrate, Assistant Magistrate, Civil Surgeon and Deputy Opium Agent, together with 3 railway engineers. As the conflict became tenser, the group moved into a two-story billiard room, fortified by Richard Vicars Boyle, one of the railway engineers, by bricking up the verandah arches. The mutineers looted the treasury and attacked the Arrah House laying siege to it and offering bribes to the Sikhs guards to hand over the group of British officials. The defenders numbered under 70 and faced over 3000. Without the loyalty and bravery of the Sikhs, who turned down bribes from the rebels, it is unlikely the Europeans would have survived.

Reference:

https://blogs.brown.edu/askb/2016/05/05/william-taylor-the-defence-of-arrah-house/

(Quantity:1)

Dimensions: 33.8cm x 50cm excluding the frame