A gold spice box or paandan divided into four heart-shaped compartments. The hinged covers of each compartment resemble betel leaves, which are used to envelop the ingredients of paan. Paan is a mild stimulant usually offered at the end of formal assemblies in India and is made of shavings of areca nut, various seeds and spices, lime paste and occasionally tobacco wrapped in a betel leaf. The separate compartments of this paandan are designed to hold the individual ingredients used to prepare paan. A row of gold beads hang off the edge of the box. This container is part of a courtly set of eleven items that was presented to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales during his four-month tour of India. When the Prince returned from his lengthy tour, he organised for his gifts from India to be exhibited in various locations across Britain, and Paris and Copenhagen. This gold set was particularly commended for its design in reviews of the Prince's gifts.