Pipe of Dadabhai Naoroji

Pipe of Dadabhai Naoroji
This pipe, dating to the late 19th century, belonged to Dadabhai Naoroji—the first Indian to serve in the British Parliament and a pivotal figure in the independence movement. More than a personal item, it embodied the convergence of East and West, intellect and identity.
Commissioned from a craftsman in Gujarat, Naoroji’s homeland, the pipe bears carved symbols: a peacock, palm leaves, and an intertwined circle—emblems of unity, peace, and historical continuity. It is believed Naoroji carried it during key moments, including his famous speech denouncing the economic exploitation of India under British rule.
After his death, the pipe disappeared from public record. Some say it was preserved by independence families; others claim it entered European collections as a relic of awakening India.
Now resurfaced, it stands as a rare artifact of political and cultural resonance. To hold it is to touch a chapter of history shaped by vision, courage, and the quiet dignity of a man who bridged worlds.
 
Doktor Lazarus Archaeologist, Historian, Collector, Independent Curator