A thread for anything on the lives and times of Princely States of India and their rulers.

The Maharaja of Mysore Krishnaraja Wadiyar

Full length studio portrait of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore by M. Burahnudin, 2nd February, 1895. This photograph is from the Elgin Collection: 'Autumn Tour 1895. Vol II'. Born June 4th 1884 the Maharaja succeeded to office as a minor on the death of his father. Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV is regarded as one of the most enlightened rulers of modern India; he is credited with transforming Mysore (modern Karnataka) into a model princely state and his period of rule has often been called the ‘Golden Age of Mysore’.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/other/largeimage60476.html
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO0000015S4U00025000[SVC2].jpg

JODHPUR: Sardar Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur (1880-1911)

Photograph of Sardar Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur from the 'Wheeler Collection: Portraits of Indian Rulers,' was taken by Gobindram and Oodeyram c.1900. Stephen Wheeler, the donor of the collection, was presumably related to J. Talboys Wheeler, organiser of the 1877 durbar and author of 'The History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi' (London, [1877]).

Jodhpur, ruled by the descendants of the Rathor Rajputs, was founded c.1450. Sardar Singh (1880-1911) succeeded as Maharaja in 1895 at the age of fifteen. Sardar Singh's uncle, Maharaj Pratap Singh and a council of regency assisted him for the first three years until he reached eighteen. Sardar Singh visited Europe in 1901, and is known for his involvement in extending the railway from Jodhpur to Hyderabad.
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/other/largeimage60507.html
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Wrestling matches in old Rajwada, Kolhapur, watched by large crowds including the Maharaja.

View showing a crowd with the Maharaja of Kolhapur, with attendants and officials watching a wrestling match taken by an unknown photographer in 1894 from the Lee-Warner collection taken on the occasion of the installation of His Highness Shahu Chhatrapati (1875-1922), the Maharaja of Kolhapur. Maharaja Shahu Chhatrapati was descended from the younger son of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire. Shahu Chhatrapati (r.1884-1922) succeeded to the throne as a minor on 17 March 1884, the country was ruled by regents until 1894 when the Maharaja came of age. Kolhapur is famous as a centre for the traditional wrestling style, kusti and has produced several Indian national wrestling champions.


http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/w/largeimage57229.html
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The Navagali or Fifth Day Ceremony of the Marriage of the Maharaja of Mysore.

This photograph of the Royal Marriage, Mysore taken in 1900 by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar and his bride Maharani Pratap Bai are seated beneath the canopy in the durbar hall, with dignitaries seated on the floor and along the sides of the hall. The various articles and foodstuffs used in the ceremony are arranged on the ground in front of the couple. The letterpress slip pasted beneath the image describes the occasion as the "The Navagali or Fifth Day Ceremony of the Marriage."

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/t/largeimage64077.html
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The European Durbar at the Marriage of the Maharaja of Mysore

This photograph of the European Durbar at the Royal Marriage taken in 1900 by an unknown photographer, is from the Curzon Collection's 'Souvenir of Mysore Album'.A durbar is the court kept by an Indian ruler; a public audience or levee held by a native prince, or by a British governor or viceroy in India. This is a formal group portrait with Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar and his bride Maharani Pratap Bai seated beneath the canopy in the durbar hall, with European and Indian officials gathered round.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/t/019pho000430s41u00068000.html
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Palaces of HH the Maharaja Sindhia at Gwalior [Lashkar], from the Fort.

Photograph of the palaces at Lashkar near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, from the Lee-Warner Collection, photographed by Deen Dayal in 1882. This is a panoramic view composed of two prints, looking over the country from the fort, towards the huge Jai Vilas Palace. In 1754 Gwalior became the base of the Scindias, the most powerful of the Maratha clans. Jai Vilas Palace was built by the immensely rich and powerful Gwalior raja, Jayaji Rao Scindia (1843-86). It was designed by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Michael Filose in a mixed style of architecture incorporating Doric, Tuscan, Corinthian, Palladian and European influences. Constructed in sandstone and painted a brilliant white, it is one of the grandest palaces in India.
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Great Durbar Hall in Palace of H.H. the Maharaja of Gwalior, one of India's richest princes, [Lashkar]

Stereoscopic photograph of the Durbar Hall in the Jai Vilas Palace at Lashkar in Madhya Pradesh, taken by James Ricalton in c. 1903, from The Underwood Travel Library: Stereoscopic Views of India. The city of Lashkar was founded in the early 19th century and the Jai Bilas palace was built in 1874. It is constructed on the plan of an Italian palazzo, with a mingling of European and Indian styles. The Durbar hall is furnished in European style with two massive chandeliers and a punkah, hanging from the ceiling. The punkah, in the centre of the room, is a fan made to swing by a cord which passes through an opening in the wall to a punkah wallah outside the room. This is one of a series of 100 photographs, designed to be viewed through a special binocular viewer, producing a 3D effect. The series was sold together with a book of descriptions and a map with precise locations to enable the 'traveller' to imagine that he was really touring around India. Stereoscopic cameras, those with two lenses and the ability to take two photographs at the same time, were introduced in the mid 19th century and revolutionised photography. They cut down exposure time and thus allowed for some movement in the image without blurring as subjects were not required to sit for long periods to produce sharp results.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/g/largeimage56497.html
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Maharaja Rewa's Palace at Govindgurh [Govindgarh]

Photograph of the palace at Govindgarh from the Lee-Warner Collection taken by Deen Dayal in 1882. Govindgarh Palace is situated in the jungle c. 20 kilometres from Rewa on the west banks of Lake Vishwanath. The palace was built in the late 19th century for Raghuraj Singh of Rewa as a hunting retreat. It is famous for its White Tigers.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/m/largeimage57088.html
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO0000002S4U00022000[SVC2].jpg

^^

notice the royal barge. Shame that we don't see them anymore.

Distant view of the Palace at Bangalore from the main gateway

Photograph of the Maharaja’s Palace at Bangalore, Karnataka from the Lee-Warner Collection: 'Souvenirs of Kolhapur. Installation of H.H. the Maharajah, 1894'. The Maharaja’s Palace at Bangalore, Karnataka was built in c.1865 and modified from 1881 onwards at huge cost. It was originally built for a local British merchant, Mr. Garrat but was taken over and extended for use by the Maharaja of Mysore. The outline of the palace with its fortified towers and turreted parapets is reminiscent of Windsor Castle, England upon which the palace at Bangalore was based. The palace stands in a large formal garden and covers an area of 13,7000 square metres. Near the entrance there is a large semicircular bay crowned by a cast-iron verandah.
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/other/largeimage57261.html
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Rambag (Ramnagar) Benares

View of the gardens within the fort and palace of the Maharaja of Benares from the Kitchener of Khartoum Collection: 'Views of Benares. Presented by the Maharaja of Benares' photographed by Madho Prasad, c. 1905. Ramnagar is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River and was made the capital of the former princely state of Benares (Varanasi) by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750. A series of courtyards lead to the white towers of the main palace within the fort, with the private apartments on one side of the tower and the Durbar Hall and reception rooms on the other.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/r/largeimage60631.html
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Sadar Gate [of the] Fort (Ramnagar) [Benares].

View inside a courtyard of the fort and palace of the Maharaja of Benares at Ramnagar, from the Kitchener of Khartoum Collection: 'Views of Benares. Presented by the Maharaja of Benares' photographed by Madho Prasad, c. 1905. Ramnagar is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River and was made the capital of the former princely state of Benares (Varanasi) by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750.
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/s/largeimage60630.html
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO0000017S3U00030000[SVC2].jpg

Laldaruaza (Ramnagar) [Benares].

Troops on parade in front of the Lal Darwaza at the fort and palace of the Maharaja of Benares from the Kitchener of Khartoum Collection: 'Views of Benares. Presented by the Maharaja of Benares' photographed by Madho Prasad, c. 1905. Ramnagar is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River and was made the capital of the former princely state of Benares (Varanasi) by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750.
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/l/largeimage60629.html
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO0000017S3U00029000[SVC2].jpg

LuknwvtVeYY

Temples > Maharajas

Bitch please, there wouldn't be many of your fancy temples and buildings if not for Maharajas :p

In 1995, the Indian government finally bought the jewels for 218 crore (about US$70 million)

There are 173 jewels, which includes over 25 thousand diamonds, weighing over 12,000 carats (2.4 kg). There are also 2000 emeralds, some of them Colombian, which weigh over 10,000 carats (2.0 kg), and pearls exceeding 40 thousand chows. The collection includes gemstones, turban ornaments, necklaces and pendants, belts and buckles, earrings, armbands, bangles and bracelets, anklets, cufflinks and buttons, watch chains, and rings, toe rings, and nose rings. Among them is the seven-stringed Basrah pearl necklace, known as Satlada, which has 465 pearls embedded in it.
Salar Jung Museum held exhibitions of the collection in 2005 and 2007, and New Delhi's National Museum exhibited them in September and October 2007.



http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3176/2724972535_95771b56c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/2724972535/)
Star and Moon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/2724972535/) by Kalle Anka (http://www.flickr.com/people/astroboi/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2064/1512895466_f051a9f690_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/1512895466/)
Jewels of The Nizams (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/1512895466/) by Kalle Anka (http://www.flickr.com/people/astroboi/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3218/2379202576_7b2d29072d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/2379202576/)
Turban Ornament (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/2379202576/) by Kalle Anka (http://www.flickr.com/people/astroboi/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2232/1585816818_b9908cfd12_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/1585816818/)
Dazzle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/1585816818/) by Kalle Anka (http://www.flickr.com/people/astroboi/), on Flickr

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more here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/beniwal/sets/72157608509384751/with/2986831086/

man, what wastage.

Well this is only the beginning Dayal baby! lulz you'll come across many example of absurd display of wealth in this thread!

Come to think of it, Maharajas were Sheikhs of their times.

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4960/hhmaharajaumaidsinghofj.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2S8UL8AGk/TgjcYUBQWZI/AAAAAAAALA0/wFrlqCvlhnQ/s1600/Maharaja+of+Rewa+%2528Now+in+Madhya+Pradesh%2529+-+1877.jpg

Photograph of a silver zenana carriage at Baroda, Gujarat from the Curzon Collection, taken by an unknown photographer during the 1890s. The enclosed carriage ensured the seclusion of female members of the royal household when travelling. The confinement of Indian women within the family home or behind a veil was known as purdah, and zenana was the name given to segregated women’s quarters. The lavishly decorated two-wheeled carriage is drawn by caparisoned bullocks and belonged to Gaekwar Sayaji Rao III (ruled 1875-1939), 12th Maharaja of Baroda. He owned a collection of exotic transport, which also included golden carriages and a miniature carriage drawn by deer.

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/s/019pho000430s24u00073000.html
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The durbar was held to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India.

The two full weeks of festivities were devised in meticulous detail by Lord Curzon.

1902, a deserted plain was transformed into an elaborate tented city, complete with temporary light railway to bring crowds of spectators out from Delhi, a post office with its own stamp, telephone and telegraphic facilities, a variety of stores, a Police force with specially designed uniform, hospital, magistrate’s court and complex sanitation, drainage and electric light installations. Souvenir guide books were sold and maps of the camping ground distributed. Marketing opportunities were craftily exploited. Special medals were struck, firework displays, exhibitions and glamorous dances held.

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http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/5500/delhidurbarof190313.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7466/delhidurbarof190312.jpg

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Maharaja of Rewa's elephant carriage
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potted plants---- we now know where the fetish comes from.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2425/delhidurbarof19031.jpg

I always knew you were chivalrous by nature Jodhu

lulz

Here is a nice book I read a year or two ago. It's called 'A year with the Gaekwar of Baroda'. It is a diary/account by an Englishman (i think) who went to live with the Gaekwar of Baroda. It's really interesting and gives a great insight into the life of Sayajirao and in general India and it's royalty. It's free so you can either read it online or download it. :)

Here is the link: http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924024069811#page/n0/mode/2up

One of the few things for which I admire Indira Gandhi is how she abolished the privy purse and princely titles. :yes:

LuknwvtVeYY

He doesn't seem very excited about his new "job".

Good thread.

Well this is only the beginning Dayal baby! lulz you'll come across many example of absurd display of wealth in this thread!

Come to think of it, Maharajas were Sheikhs of their times.

I can't but think of the living conditions of the common man in that era. in the same period these people were locking up wealth in unproductive forms like jewellery there were thousands upon thousands dying of hunger.

nothing is more frightening than people in power who are cut off from their roots.

One of the few things for which I admire Indira Gandhi is how she abolished the privy purse and princely titles. :yes:

+1

+1

The common man living conditions are pretty much the same outside the "Maharajas" lavish existence in Rajasthan

The one and only one Royal of the time to break the rules and break bread with the common man was Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur. Much , much has been written about how he wanted to bring a change with his 'subjects' and how he considered himself a commoner than a Royal blood - thus TRYING to break down caste barriers and bringing forth the idea of education for women.

Marathi novelists like P.L.Deshpande has written quite a lot about Shahu Maharaj in his book "MAITRA". Unfortunately and ironically, modern day Marathi readership branded P.L.Deshpande as anti-brahmin just on the basis of his good words on Shahu Maharaj's zeal to abolish casteism.

I can't but think of the living conditions of the common man in that era. in the same period these people were locking up wealth in unproductive forms like jewellery there were thousands upon thousands dying of hunger.

nothing is more frightening than people in power who are cut off from their roots.



+1

I can't but think of the living conditions of the common man in that era. in the same period these people were locking up wealth in unproductive forms like jewellery there were thousands upon thousands dying of hunger.

nothing is more frightening than people in power who are cut off from their roots.

True. Infact there is a chapter in the book I posted (A year with Gaekwar) and he describes the common people and there is obviously a stark contrast. However, when I look at the jewels, palaces etc this thought is not overwhelming in my mind because I just look at the artwork gone into it and some of them are masterpieces which can't be created anymore.

+1
The common man living conditions are pretty much the same outside the "Maharajas" lavish existence in Rajasthan


You do realise that Maharajas and Nawabs didn't just exist in Rajasthan :nuts:

BTW incase anyone is thinking that the purpose of this thread is to glorify, then it isn't. My purpose for posting is just shed a light on that era. Please take all the stuff as historical sources to further your knowledge as well admire the art and ability of great unknown Indian artists.

Good thread.

thanks. :)

Jodhu, we all know that you like jewllery. BTW incase anyone is thinking that the purpose of this thread is to glorify, then it isn't. My purpose for posting is just shed a light on that era. Please take all the stuff as historical sources to further your knowledge as well admire the art and ability of great unknown Indian artists.

p^6, there have been notable exceptions, but by and large Indian rajas and nawabs of the colonial era did not care for their subjects. the reason is not hard to seek, they drew legitimacy of rule from their relation with the brits and had no requirement for loyalty from the subjects.

However, when I look at the jewels, palaces etc this thought is not overwhelming in my mind because I just look at the artwork gone into it and some of them are masterpieces which can't be created anymore.
interesting that you mention this. it's somewhat of a conundrum , if resources are limited (which is always the case) what do you spend it for. art requires patronage to flourish but that deprives people of necessities. if you spend only on bare necessities talent and culture dies out and society loses the spark to improve itself.

I think one can look at it in this way: Mayawati's parks and monuments are a waste of money in a state like UP but that doesn't rule out the fact that the structures themselves are beautiful or Hitler was evil but it doesn't rule out the fact that he was a good orator. Similarly, the wealth display of the Maharajas was absurd but a lot of the things the commissioned are beautiful.

Princely India.

http://www.dishtracking.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/87137959349a16f577dd4a.jpg

my favourite player.

Saurabh maamuly

V&A did an exhibition back in 2009 called maharaja the splendour of india's royal courts. Amazing exhibition. Here are two really nice videos on it.

FTJPNCrdwHw&feature=related

oRi5N-MWVPU&feature=relmfu

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p2S8UL8AGk/TgjcYUBQWZI/AAAAAAAALA0/wFrlqCvlhnQ/s1600/Maharaja+of+Rewa+%2528Now+in+Madhya+Pradesh%2529+-+1877.jpg
Somebody needs to caption this pic. He looks so pissed off. :lol:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9POjaQYMcvQ/TqeHYMSNfuI/AAAAAAAAB0o/lXahSoumr94/s1600/Chithira_Thirunal_Balarama_Varma%25252C_last_ruling_maharaja_of_Travancore.jpg

H.H Sree Padmanabha Dasa Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore, the Last King of Travancore Kingdom and first and only Rajapramukh of Travancore-Cochin State

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H.H Sree Padmanabha Sevini Rajarajaeswari Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai Varma, the Queen and Regent of Council- Kingdom of Travancore

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00764/travancore_764303g.jpg

Maharaja Chithira Thirunal in Adayar Travancore Palace of Madras where he received Governor in the Council of Madras Presidency. On the left side, is Sir.C.P Ramaswamy Iyer, the Diwan of Travancore,

http://www.timescontent.com/tss/photos/preview/15552/Maharaja%20of%20Travancore.jpg

The famed Procession of Sree Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu of Trivandrum, whom during Travancore's times were considered as the King, while the real king as mere Dasa or servant of Lord) in Trivandrum, with the King, Maharaja Chitira Thirunal leading the procession

Manavikraman Zamorin Raja of Calicut

http://zgcollege.org/uploads/images/great_founder.jpg

H.H.Manavikraman Maharaja Bahadur K.C.S.I., F.M.U

One of the few things for which I admire Indira Gandhi is how she abolished the privy purse and princely titles. :yes:

This is a difficult one. Abolition of privy purses was an abrogation of contractual obligations entered into by the Govt of India. The sums spent on privy purses would be miniscule compared to what politicians pocket every year. Can we spell hypocrisy?

Great thread!

Very interesting, rich, enchanting & wonderful.

The rich history is truley mesmerising & left me in awe.

Somebody needs to caption this pic. He looks so pissed off. :lol:

:nuts:
looks like a horror films poster

Indira Raje of Baroda and later the Maharani of Cooch Behar. The only daughter of Maharaja Sayaji Rao III and Maharani Chimnabai. Her daughter was Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur.

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Sandal, leather with multicoloured beads. Made by Ferragamo for Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar, 1938. In his memoirs, Salvatore Ferragamo recalled extraordinary commissions from the maharani, among them a pair of shoes in green velvet encrusted with pearls and a pair in black velvet set with diamonds
http://www.museoferragamo.it/en/images/maharani1.jpg

Silver Carriage made for the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. Fort Coach Factory. 1915. Silver, enamel.

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uHEpuGSrH9M

National Anthem of Kingdom of Travancore.

The video has several rare photographs of Princely Travancore, particularly during the reign of H.H Chitra Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja, the last King and First Rajapramukh of Travancore and Kerala respectively.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6971454681_9cfc48fa40_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6971454681/)
Golden Throne of Ranjit Singh (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6971454681/) by Roy Prasad (http://www.flickr.com/people/royprasad/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6825333738_9fa75c8590_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6825333738/)
Wedding dress for a queen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6825333738/) by Roy Prasad (http://www.flickr.com/people/royprasad/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6971454373_5406a2ffb6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6971454373/)
Work clothes... for a king! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6971454373/) by Roy Prasad (http://www.flickr.com/people/royprasad/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6971454509_5a3bf1f13e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6971454509/)
Riding an elephant (http://www.flickr.com/photos/royprasad/6971454509/) by Roy Prasad (http://www.flickr.com/people/royprasad/), on Flickr

Throne made from wood, silver, silk brocade in apx. 1876.

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The royal Crown of Kochi.

One of the most famous and expensive crowns in the country, the Cochin Crown was presented by Emperor Immanuel of Portugal to H.H Veera Kerala Varma Maharaja of Kochi on his coronation day. Especially designed by leading Portuguese royal jewellers of Lisbon, this crown is made of pure gold, studded with 101 diamonds, 301 rubies and 1001 several precious stones, as per Hindu texts, based on a model design of Kulashekara Crowns (the Chera Imperial Crown)

The crown was presented by Portuguese Governor to the Maharaja on his coronation day. But Veera Kerala Varma, found the crown to be too extravagant to his simple tastes and hence didn't prefer to adorn it. He couldn't refuse it, being presented as royal gift, which was a symbol/token of friendship.

Hence he adorn the crown on his lap and ever since that, no Kochi Kings ever worn the crown, rather kept on their right laps, during royal functions.

The crown is well preserved along with other Crown jewels at Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithara.

The Royal lineage of Travancore Maharajas

The Travancore Royal House was established in year 1729 by dissolving its preceding royal house- The Venad Kingdom, which traces his legacy back to direct lineage of Imperial Chera House of Vanchinadu

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758 )

He was instrumental in building the modern Travancore Kingdom, by consolidating several small feudal and native kingdoms into single Travancore Kingdom and formation of the new state. Perhaps, the only King in India to defeat an European Power in a battle, when the Travancore Army under his command defeated Dutch Army at War of Colachel. His most famous act, was dedicating his Kingdom to Sree Padmanabha and declaring that the presiding deity as the Emperor of Kingdom, making the entire family as Servants of the Lord and ruling on his behalf, with title Sree Padmanabhadasa.

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma Dharma Raja (1758-1798)

Known throughout the history of Kerala, as one of the most wisest and intelligent King, he was popularly referred as Dharma Raja, due to his highest principles of Justice and virtue. He was instrumental in defeat of Tipu Sultan in Kerala, which later marked the latter's downfall, with help of British. Played a key role in developing Alleppey and establishing Travancore's famed Chuckram-Ruva currency system.


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H.H Sreepadmanabhadasa Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma (1798-1810 )

The only most weakest King in the lineage, his reign was considered as Black Period. His period saw the rise of the powerful Velu Thampi Dalawa as Prime Minister of Travancore, who challenged the mighty British and raked its foundations in South. The only noteworthy of this period was established of Balaramapuram, a textile city in Trivandrum, making a famed brand by now.


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H.H Sree Padmanabha Sevini Rajarajeswari Ayilam Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bai Varma Maharani (1810-1815 )

The first queen to the Travancore Throne, she ruled just 5 years. Yet, extremely popular for her far sighted vision and leadership abilities, helping the state to recoup from its black age of her uncle's reign. Abolishment of Slavery, starting of Travancore Judicial Services, Police Department, abolishment of feudal taxes, initiating of state education board and vaccination for epidemic diseases are some of her famous contributions, along with her able Diwan, Col Munro. She died due to Blood Cancer

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H.H Sree Padmanabha Sevini Rajarajeswari Uthrittathi Thirunal Gowri Parvati Bai Varma Maharani(1815-1829 )

Sister of Lakshmi Bai Varma, Maharani Parvathy Bai continued the reforms initated by her sister. She reared the new born child of her sister from age of 13. Popularly known as Chittamma Maharani, she was instrumental in developing universal literacy and education in Travancore, by establishing public schools, especially for girls and providing access to Sanskrit education to all. She was instrumental in abolishing unjust laws for lower castes and initiated changes for social equality for the first time in the state. Coffee plantations was first introduced to South India, during her reign.

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa sSwathi Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja (1829-1846 )

The most celebrated King of Travancore, his reign was known was Golden Period of Travancore. A scholar in Music and Dance, he has developed a new stream of Classical Music under his own name, composing several hundreds of new music and developing Mohiniyattom, the classical dance of Kerala.

Equally popular in state administration, he established Universal education in the state, first English school for general public sans any social barrier, free public English Hospital and universal free public Healthcare access. He also established Modern Judicial system of Kerala, abolishing of Feudal laws and powers of lords, establishment of independent judiciary, starting of Met and Astronomy dept as well as establishment of India's second zoo and Bio Park.

to be contd.........

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The Imperial Crown of Cheras

The Imperial crown of Chera Empire of Kerala, known as Cheramudi. This ancient crown was later surrendered to Sree Padmanabha, as token of crowning the Lord as the Emperor of Vanchinadu. Today its rests near to the Sanctum Santorium of Sree Padmanabha Temple.

The Maharajas of Travancore- Contd

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1814-1860)

Brother of Swati Thirunal, Uthram Thirunal continued the legacy of his able brother with reforms in administrative. The Travancore Administrative Services, similar to ICS. He was a qualified medical practitioner and learnt both English and Ayruveda medical practices. He established a series of Medical hospitals in the state and started the tradition of universal access of healthcare. His contributions to development of Kathakali was well appreciated

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma (1832 – 1880)

The most able administrator, Travancore ever got, under his regin the state started achieving financial prosperity and later ranked third as prosperous state in India. The King was advocate of Free economy and abolished more than 2 dozen taxes and encouraged market economy. Vaccination was made complusory in the state and agricultural subsidies were introduced for first time. The state also established a public committee of people of repute, to advice the Durbar, which was precedent of establishing a formal legislature.

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Vishakam Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja (1880–1885)

Ruled just for 5 years, it regin marked a massive change in dietary habits of Keralite. A qualified botanist, The King took regin the state was passing thro' extensive famine. The King introduced Tapioca into Kerala's agricultural system and extensively cultivated in the state of Travancore, which sooner or later turned as one of Kerala's most popular staple diet.

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja (1885-1924)

Sree Moolam Thirunal was credited in establishing the first modern democracy system among Indian Princely states. By establishing Sree Moolam State Assembly, he started India's first legislature assembly among Native states. The legislature was the first step of Kerala entering into democracy. The powers of Durbar was considerable reduced and handed over to Legislature which soon had elected members based on universal franchise. He also introduced universal higher education, credited with introduction first public transportation system among South Indian states and also introduction of Life Insurance system in Kerala.

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H.H Sree Padmanabha Sevini Rajarajeswari Maharani Pooradam Thirunal Sethulakshmi Bai Varma (1924-1931)

Rani Sethu Lakshmi Bai Varma became the Regent Queen in Council, as the successor of Sree Moolam Thirunal was minor. Under her regency reign, Travancore took a leap-forward in various field. She decided to make an universal education for females and banned marriage of girls below 15. This made all girls to get access to primary and secondary education. She also established several Women's colleges and worked for development of Kerala University. In addition on advice of Mahatma Gandhi who visited her as part of famous Vaikom Satyagraha, she abolished caste discrimination in Travancore and allowed universal access of all roads, wells and public infrastructures for all people irrespective of caste. She also credited with Travancore's funding for Cochin Port along with Cochin Kingdom and British Govt as well as for Kollam-Ernakulam Railway line.

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H.H Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja (1931-1957)

Last King of Travancore, yet most famous, Sree Chithira Thirunal is often referred as People's King. He shot into national fame, by Temple Entry Proclaimation, abolishing casteism and access of all temples to all Hindus. He was also known as father of Industrial Kerala, for starting more than dozen of Public sector large industries, which many still famous. The establishment of Royal Travancore Bank (State Bank of Travancore), development of Cochin Industrial Zone, establishment of Kerala University.

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H.H Koviladhikari Sree Raja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran Maharaja, The King of Kochi Kingdom (1769-1805)

The most celebrated and powerful King of Kochi, Rama Varma was better known as Sakthan Thampuran (indicating powerfulness). Became King of Kochi at an age of 18 in year 1769 AD, he consolidated the kingdom and centralized the administration with firm. The most important achievement of King was to develop a new capital city- Thrissur which is around 80 Kms from Kochi. Within a very years, Thrissur grew as a strong business city, thanks to business acumen of the King, by inviting business shrewd Catholic Christians who started several business in the town. The effect still remain, with Thrissur as Gold and Silk capital of Kerala.

He also was instrumental in starting Thrissur Pooram, the most biggest temple festival in India, a cultural extravagance still popular. The abolishment of feudal rights of Nampoothiri (Brahmin) families was another key achievement of the king. A scholar in Mathematics, Vedas and Ayurveda, he also played a key role in establishing dedicated schools in the kingdom to promote Mathematics among locals.

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This extravagant costume would have been worn by a dancer or noblewoman at the flamboyant Lucknow Court, although the fashion for exaggeratedly wide trousers like these worn under a full, shorter overdress was popular in several centres of North India during the first half of the 19th century. Women wearing such costumes are shown in Lucknow paintings of the 19th century and in Company style paintings from other centres in North India.


Traditionally reputed to have belonged to the ‘Queen of Oudh’, this outfit is more likely to have been worn by a very young girl for a betrothal ceremony, or even created specifically for an exhibition such as the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855, from which it was acquired by the India Museum in London.

A pair of women’s embroidered trousers with very wide legs. Each leg is made up of 17 triangular panels and one rectangular panel. The fabric is of thin silk with applied gold ribbon (gota) and gold pompoms.

Copyright: © V&A Images

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MUNICH IN INDIA tells about the life of Fritz-Munich, the only German court painter of the Indian Maharajas. It is the story of an unknown but nevertheless extraordinary artist and his adventures. It tells about German and Indian history in the first half of the 20th century and simultaneously gets an insight into contemporary India.
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The Late His Highness Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma- Maharaja of Travancore along with his mother Amma Maharani Sethu Parvati Bai, his sister and Queen Her Highness Karthika Thirunal, her children- the Crown Princess and the current Maharaja- then the Elya Raja Crown Prince Uthradom Thirunal, at Zamorin Palace, after visiting Guruvayur temple.....

The simplicity is one key factor, which makes most of the royals in Kerala, totally unique from other royals across India

The Late His Highness Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma- Maharaja of Travancore along with his mother Amma Maharani Sethu Parvati Bai, his sister and Queen Her Highness Karthika Thirunal, her children- the Crown Princess and the current Maharaja- then the Elya Raja Crown Prince Uthradom Thirunal, at Zamorin Palace, after visiting Guruvayur temple.....

The simplicity is one key factor, which makes most of the royals in Kerala, totally unique from other royals across India

Which is the palace of Zamorin at Guruvayur? any dates available for this photograph?

Place is Kerala but not quite sure about the Photograph.....

Which is the palace of Zamorin at Guruvayur? any dates available for this photograph?

I have heard, not sure, that there was a palace of Zamorins located near current Panchajanyam rest house.... It was demolished to build a rest house....

Looking at the age of Crown Princess Gouri Lakshmi Bai and Parvati Bai, I guess it should be in 1950 or early 1960s....