Lot 184: Sir James Braithwaite Peile (British, 1833-1906) A group of Indian views 21 x 33cm (8 1/4 x 13in) and smaller, (16).

A group of Indian views
each inscribed with title and dated 1858-78
pen and ink and watercolour, unframed
21 x 33cm (8 1/4 x 13in) and smaller, (16).

On graduating from Oriel College, Oxford, in 1852, Peile joined the Indian Civil Service, travelling to India in 1856, where he began work in Bombay presidency as an assistant collector in the districts of Thana, Surat, and Ahmadabad. Most of the watercolours in the present lot date to this period.

Peile held various administrative roles in Bombay, Kathiawar and Sind, earning respect with his knowledge of Gujarati and feel for local conditions. In 1886 he was appointed to the supreme council by the new viceroy, Lord Dufferin. In 1887 Peile left India on being nominated to the Council of India in London, and was made KCSI in 1888. He served for fifteen years, playing a very active role in the government of India, until his retirement from the Council of India in 1902.


BIBLIOGRAPHY:
David Hardiman, 'Peile, Sir James Braithwaite (1833–1906)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, online edition, Oxford University Press, Sept 2004