An Indian bronze spherical astrolabe, the central sphere representing the Earth with incised astrological signs encircled by three sets of conjoined bands with inscriptions a further exterior band mapping the trajectory of the sun around the earth within a circular mount raised on scale moulded columnar supports above a hexfoil base with paw feet across the feet x. Note: astrolabes were used by the Indians for a multitude of mathematical calculations including the reading of time calendar and astronomical data, they are relatively rare pieces and this example belonged to the Maharajas of Mysore in Southern India, the first astrolabe to be used in India was in fact by the Muslim ruler Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1750-1799).