Vtg Photograph Sep 11 1893 Commissioning British HMS Empress of India Battleship. HMS Empress of India was one of seven Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleships built for the Royal Navy during the 1890s. She was transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet in 1897, during which time Empress of India was assigned to the International Squadron blockading Crete during the uprising there. Thanks so much for stopping by! Let us know if you have any questions or need any additional images. Please take a look at our other vintage treasures and cool finds in the store! If you find a number of things you are interested in. Please note that we always try to reuse and recycle packing materials whenever possible.