Picture Details
Rosaries made from holy basil
Partner:
Kew GardensImage reference:
EBC46132Origin:
Tamil Nadu, IndiaDonor / Date:
Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant-Duff, 1884Size:
L 230: L 290: L 540 mmDescription:
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Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant-Duff (1829-1906) was a statesman and author, he donated these three rosaries to Kew while Governor of Madras in India. The state of Madras has now changed its name to Tamil Nadu. The holy basil plant is regarded as very sacred in Hinduism which it why it is often used to make rosaries. The woody roots of the plant have been used to make the beads.
