Hi Gene
I'm not an expert on Indian metalwork, but from the red residue I would make a guess that it may have been for containing pigments. Hindus use pigments, especially vermilion, to anoint both themselves and figures of deities.
Probably the V & A Museum in London could give a definitive description of its use... I don't know what Indian name it would have, but it looks a nice object, maybe 19th century or even earlier ?
Regards
Colin
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