Combination of the above. What caliber is it?
Presuming this is from the Indian sub-continent area, (India, Afghanistan and Pakistan essentially) it strikes me from the time of the Raj, British control over the region.
From the profile picture, it looks to be a altered Martini-something (which suggests British origin). Probably as mentioned by a 'local' gunsmith, as the finish looks a bit roungh, but not execrable. If, as I suspect, it is an original caliber (something the in the .450 diameter category) it is possible a 'howdah' pistol. Made intentionally for use if the tiger jumps in the 'howdah' (the passenger area on top an elephant) and a rifle is too clumsy. (Or the tiger just says 'Howdah!)
Second thought is a smaller caliber (perhaps .303) and the sponsor (buyer) thought that would be suitable defense against two legged predators.