A curious sundial-type instrument with compass from British India, with a Persian inscription dated 1295 Hijra [= 1878/79]

This instrument bears a series of scales with numbers punched in European numerals. As it is, it can serve no sensible astronomical function. The semi-cylindrical cavity is marked for the hours on two scales. One scale has the morning hours ... , 10, 11, [12] for midday, divided into quarters subdivided into thirds (that is, for each 5 minutes). The other has alternate "hours" marked: ... , 9, 11, nothing at midday, then 2, 4, 6, ... . There are two numbers below these scales, like batch numbers: "168" and "8". A gnomon with rectangular cross-section erected perpendicular to the central axis of the surface of the semi-cylindrical surface could cast a shadow on these markings. For this to register the passage of time the ensemble must first be set up in the meridian and then with the gnomon in the plane of the celestial equator. This could be achieved if the curved vertical scale would measure the complement of the terrestrial latitude. But it does not. Instead, with the semi-cylinder horizontal, the scale registers about 23°, which makes no astronomical sense. (In this "rest" position the instrument measures time only at the equator.) Further, there is no device for tilting the sundial anyway. The instrument is fitted with a pair of cross-wires and a set of plumb-bobs. Attached to the base is a magnetic compass. To add to the mystery there is an inscription by the hour-scale in Persian, stating:

sani'-e in kompas mangaran (?) shagerd-e laleh bakhan (?) la'l sana 1295 hijri

'The maker of this compass is Mangaran (?) pupil of Rashid Laleh Bakhin (?) La'l, the year 1295 of the Hijra (AD 1878-79)'

Numerous monumental and unwieldy instruments have been made in India in recent years. These are mainly based on fantasy and are clearly non-functional and made simply for gullible tourists (see King, In Synchrony with the Heavens, II, pp. 812-813, also 107-110). This piece is not one of these productions. It poses numerous problems, none of which appear solvable at present.