The new Mint on the Strand, Calcutta - 1829

Watercolour of the new Mint on the Strand in Calcutta by Thomas Prinsep (1800-1830) dated c.1829. Inscribed on the album page: 'Calcutta' and 'New Mint Calcutta'. This view is taken from the south. The new Silver Mint is situated north of Howrah Bridge on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. It was designed by Major W.N. Forbes and formally opened in 1831. Thomas Prinsep came from a family who served in India for several generations; five of his brothers were also in the country. Thomas's brother James Prinsep, a noted scholar and antiquarian, became the Assay Master at the old Calcutta Mint in 1832. Thomas was in charge of the surveying of the Sunderbunds; a large area of fresh and saltwater mangrove swamp south of Calcutta.

Source : British Library