Thomas Daniell (1749 - 19 March 1840)- With an estimate of the British interest in India, Thomas Daniell decided to go there as a professional artist and therefore along with his nephew, William Daniell, sailed by the 'Atlas' Indiaman from England in April 1785 and reached Calcutta via China in 1786. First Thomas produced the 'Twelve Views of Calcutta'. Then they toured Northern India and later Southern India making sketches on scenic beauties of North and remote places of South. Finally they went across to Bombay. The Daniell's left India in 1793.

In 1808 the most significant work based on their India tour, Oriental Scenery was completed and published in six volumes.

The above painting is the Scene near Najibabad in Rohilkhand, Sevalik mountains in the background. Formerly belonged to Hampden Turner Collection, Surrey, U.K.

Charles Hampden Turner (1772-1856) it may be noted, was a bibliophile and well-known patron of the arts. He Commissioned or bought no fewer than 31 oil paintings by Thomas or William Daniell.

Named after its founder, Najib-ud-Daulah, Wazir of the Mughal Empire, about 1755, Najibabad is in Bijnor district, U.P.

Jungle landscape. The Principal figure in the foreground is an elephant, about to cross a bridge with a native aristocrat on its back. The animal is unwilling to cross until he has examined its strength with his trunk. They are approaching a ruined building, with the foothills beyond.