| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_899-1_AR |
| Subject | : | Curzon's Viceroy Presentation Medal |
| Size | : | 51.3 mm |
| Metal | : | Silver |
| Year | : | 1899 |
| Description | : | obv. Conjoined busts of Lord and Lady Curzon, left, around border : LORD CURZON OF KEDLESTON G.M.S.I. G.M.I.E. VICEROY OF INDIA * LADY CURZON OF KEDLESTON * 1899 * Signed : Allan Wyon SC., rev. Curzon's coat of arms with supporters in centre with motto on ribbon below : LET * CURZON * HELDE * WHAT * CURZON * HELDE * AROUND BORDER : PRESENTED - BY - HIS - EXCELLENCY - THE - GOVERNOR - GENERAL. Signed : A. Wyon.
Curzon’s presentation medal continues the trend begun by Lansdowne, followed by Elgin, of the conjoined busts.
George Nathaniel Curzon groomed himself to become Viceroy of India by travelling widely in the near and far east and by serving as the Under-Secretary of State for India and later for Foreign Affairs before he was appointed Viceroy in January 1899, Curzon, despite a bad back, was a prodigious worker, engaging in a whirlwind of reform; created the North-Western Frontier Province, improved the universities and educational system, preserved ancient Indian monuments, reformed administration, had large financial surpluses, twice reduced the Salt Tax and removed income tax on the lowest income, held a massive Durbar in 1903, but failed in reform of the military when his Commander-in-Chief, Lord Kitchener, dug in his heals and brought Curzon down, Curzon’s first Viceroyalty ended in April 1904 but he was reappointed and began a second term in December 1904 before resigning in August 1905 over his dispute with Kitchener. |
