Well, as long as the pics are still up!
The item in question is very interesting and could be a form of expanding barshot. Its main purpose would have been to slash through lines/ropes in the tops, or as anti-personnel. It is similar to 'star-shot', in that it would have folded up for insertion in the cannon and expanded in flight. It is very elaborate, but then again, many of the Indian suncontinent weapons were. If it is not an artillery shot, I can't say what its purpose would have been?
Fernando, thats for posting that chainshot picture from Saville. I haven't seen too many of the real ones with the chain link directly brazed to the ball itself and the close-up photo was great.