1830 Colonial Era India.

'Sassoor, in the Deccan.'
'This junction takes place near the fortified hill of Porrundah, to the south-east of Poonah. The principal temple is dedicated to Mahadeo, under another name, and is surrounded by several shrines, sepulchral monuments, and memorials of the immolations of widows on the funeral piles of their husbands.
Although very few Hindoo castes bury their dead, in many instances the ashes are collected, and preserved in buildings prepared for their reception; while the burning of widows is esteemed so honourable, that it seldom fails of being properly commemorated.
The valley of Sassoor is a sort of oasis in the desert, the adjacent country being singularly rocky and barren; the contrast therefore of its splendid buildings, its cool transparent waters, and the fine trees which have been carefully planted in the surrounding gardens, produces a striking effect upon the eye. The adjacent walled building is a palace of one of the great Brahmin family of Prorundhuxee, whose fortunes for upwards of a century have been closely connected with those of the Peishwas, princes who have made a very conspicuous figure in the affairs of the Deccan.
Like many other buildings of the same description, this palace is strongly fortified, and in 1818 its garrison held out for ten days against a division of the British army.
The covered carriage in the foreground is a representation of a native equipage, much in request with females of rank, called a Rhat, or Rheta; it is drawn by two milk-white bullocks, the favourite colour of these animals, and the canopy of fine scarlet cloth is ornamented at the top with a gilt pine-apple, while two Mahratta horsemen form the escort.
The usual idlers of an Indian ghaut, are to be seen bathing, praying, gossiping, or drawing water, together with the never-failing Gossain, who may be distinguished by the flowing drapery, which he holds up over his right arm.
Beyond the steps of the ghaut, under the spreading foliage of some pine-trees, the small camp of the European party, to whom we are indebted for a sketch of this beautiful scene, appears a proof of the excellent taste shown by the servants of an Anglo-Indian establishment, who generally contrive to pitch the tents in some peculiarly delightful place'.
Artist - William Purser.
Based on a sketch/watercolour by Captain Robert Melville Grindlay.
Auction description - Bonhams, London.