Grounds of Duncan Campbell's house at Patna - 1814.

Watercolour of Duncan Campbell's house in Patna from 'Views by Seeta Ram from Patna to Benares Vol. II' produced for Lord Moira, afterwards the Marquess of Hastings, by Sita Ram between 1814-15. Marquess of Hastings, the Governor-General of Bengal and the Commander-in-Chief (r. 1813-23), was accompanied by artist Sita Ram (flourished c.1810-22) to illustrate his journey from Calcutta to Delhi between 1814-15.

Patna, located in Bihar along the southern bank of the Ganges river, was controlled by the British after the Battle of Buxar in 1764. Patna was used by the British as a centre for opium manufacturing for exportation and medicinal purposes. Duncan Campbell was an Opium Agent in Patna between 1812-21. Grounds viewed from the top of a house, the latter's shadow cast over the grass, with the Ganges beyond and Lord Moira's pinnance budgerows at the water's edge. Inscribed below: 'Grounds of Duncan Campbell Esqr. at Patna.'

Source : British Library