IN October 1875, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, set off on a four-month tour of the Indian Subcontinent.

The idea was to strengthen links between the British Crown and rulers of what is now modern India. Visiting more than 21 localities, encompassing India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, the Prince met nearly 100 rulers and was presented with gifts produced using renowned Indian techniques and skills.

Exchanging gifts played an important role in Indian diplomacy, and reflected the cultural heritage of regions the Prince visited. Some were heirlooms, some commissioned for the Royal visit, with many designs adapted by Indian craftsmen to recognise the growing European presence in India.

On his return, the Prince arranged for the items to go on public display. His exhibition toured the UK and Europe between 1876 and 1883, allowing people to see these extraordinary examples of Indian design and craftsmanship.

Now, for the first time since then, the treasures are on display again - and Bradford's Cartwright Hall is the first place to host the new touring exhibition, its only venue in the North of England.

Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince's Tour of India 1875-6 presents some of the Royal Collection's finest examples of Indian design and craftsmanship and forms part of the 2017 Uk-India Year of Culture. More than 70 exquisite works of art presented to the Prince are on display, alongside watercolours and photographs from the tour, and items from Bradford Council's collection of South Asian silverware.

The Prince's treasures, made of gold, silver and festooned with jewels, carvings and enamelled designs, each tell a story about his tour. The exhibition starts with a beautiful gold and diamond-set ink stand in the form of a state barge, presented during the Prince's visit to the holy Hindi city of Benares. The Prince had sailed down the River Ganges on a similar vessel to meet the Maharaja at the Royal Palace.

The next section, exploring the court of India, features an exquisite pair of peacock feather fans presented by the Maharaja of Jaipur, layered with bands of gold tinsel and enamelled gold handles inlaid with diamonds."Such fans were a central part of the spectacle of an Indian court, used to fan the ruler," said curator Kajal Meghani. "The Prince adopted Indian court customs, such as offering rose water and betel-nut, at six receptions he hosted in India, welcoming the Maharajas."

A gold durbar (state service), presented by the Maharaja of Mysore, has floral engravings and comprises plates, trays, spice boxes, perfume-holders and a betel-nut holder - objects associated with welcoming guests to an Indian court.

A spectacular model of a Jaipur merchant's house is brimming with intricate detail. Look through the windows and there are ornate tile designs and balconies overlooking the central courtyard. On the roof terrace are sumptuous loungers, and on the front of the house is a handpainted mural depicting a Royal elephant procession. Made of plaster, it was created by students of the Jaipur School of Art and reflects 18th century haveli (townhouses).

Taking pride of place is a 'turban crown' presented by landowners of Awadh, reflecting British and Indian designs. Its three-prong jewel design matches the Prince’s feather crest and, bordered by bands of bright red enamel, pearls and diamonds, it also features the Royal Arms of a lion and unicorn. The detail is extraordinary.

The Prince's feathers are also featured in 18th century daggers, while a beautiful card tray made from a Mother of Pearl shell, mounted on a gold fish, features village scene carvings etched into the shell. A set of small brass military figures were presented to the Prince in Madras.

Animals, playing an important role in Hinduism, feature strongly. Rosewater sprinklers in the shape of two cranes with a fish in each mouth are based on a 12th century tale, and a gold casket features elephant-headed lions on the corners, depicted in South Indian temples.

Among items presented by the Maharaja of Jaipur is an opium box with an enamelled portrait of Hindu diety Krishna, and a gold, enamel and diamond-covered perfume cup, adapted with a handle to resemble European cup and saucer. A sandalwood case features intricate carvings of Hindu gods, and a dazzling jewellery display includes a gold-bound tiger's claw and a gold bangle the Prince purchased for his mother.

"The Prince wanted British people to be inspired by Indian craftsmanship," said Kajal. "This exhibition invites people to look closely at objects and discover the stories behind them."

The exhibition, which opens tomorrow until June 18, is accompanied by a video with music by Bradford arts company Kala Sangam. A series of events includes a family trail and an illustrated presentation by Kajal Meghani.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, will open a special launch event on Sunday, from 1-3pm, featuring a classical Indian dance called The Gift, inspired by the exhibition.

* Visit bradfordmuseums.org