It is included in a volume of aquatint views of India by William Hodges who travelled through the country in the 1780s executing drawings on the spot.
The Taj Mahal appears in the background of a view of the Fort of Agra suggesting that Hodges was more interested in the military installation than the building which in future generations came to symbolise eternal love.
 William Hodges' first depiction of the Taj Mahal, visible in the background |
This is one of the most important books of aquatints of India and is estimated at £30,000-35,000 ($57,056).
The volume is part of a extensive collection of books, photographs and prints about India put together privately over 25 years which makes up the greater part of the sale.
Among the other prominent items from the collection is a complete copy of Emily Eden's Portraits of the Princes and People of India estimated at £20,000-30,000.
Published in 1844, this exceptionally rare folio of 24 hand-coloured card mounted lithographs covers the panoply of life in the court of the Sikh rulers of the Punjab, from Maharajahs and Nawabs to fakirs, servants and attendants.
 One of Emily Eden's Portraits of the Princes and People of India |
The plates are based on original drawings by Emily Eden who lived in India from 1835 - 1842 when her brother, Lord Auckland, was Governor General.
Other lots include rare prints and books and numerous groups of early Indian photography and albums (including trades, types, tribes, cities and Indian royalty) by the likes of, amongst others, Lala Deen Dayal and Linnaeus Tripe.
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