Maharaja – the Splendour of India's Royal Courts
V&A Museum – Review of Exhibition Catalogue
Nov 1, 2009
Maharaja – the Splendour of India’s Royal Courts has been published to accompany an exhibition at the V&A Museum, London. The book is co-edited by Anna Jackson, Amin Jaffer and Deepika Ahlawat supported by contributions from a number of leading historians.
Life in the Royal Courts of India
The publication looks at various aspects of life within the royal courts of India from the early eighteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The book looks at the political, social, and economic history of Indian kingship. It also investigates changing styles and tastes and the patronage, by Indian rulers, of both Indian and European manufacturers. The changing role of Indian princes during the period of British colonial rule known as the Raj (1858-1947), and the period immediately thereafter, is also examined.
Maharaja – the Splendour of India’s Royal Courts – Layout of the Publication
Maharaja… is divided into several chapters each featuring a major contribution by a leading expert. Each discussion is supplemented by a detailed exploration of the lives of two important personalities from Indian history such as Maharaja Jai Sing II of Amber, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Punjab, and many others. A glance at the Contents provides a good indication of the content of the book.
Introduction – Anna Jackson and Amin Jaffer explore the meaning of the word ‘maharaja’ and its use throughout history up to the present day. They also set out Indian history from the Mughal Empire to British rulership, i.e. the period known as the raj, as well as the period after Independence in 1947.
Kingship in India – Barbara N. Ramusack looks at how Maharajas came to power and the duties they were expected to perform. She also examines the sacred and secular powers of Indian rulers as immortalized in the great epic poems such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The Power of Public Splendour – Joanne Punzo Waghorne discusses the main form of public display – the durbar. This event took various forms in different regions, but was always a grand ceremonial affair attended by key officials and important members of the government.
Palace Life – Ramya Sreenivasan provides an overview of life in the royal households and palaces. The author focuses especially on the role of the women of the household, not just the wives, mothers and daughters, but also the servants and concubines.
Patronage at Court – Rosemary Crill discusses royal patronage of both Indian and European artists and manufacturers. The royal patrons commissioned items ranging from Rolls Royce motor vehicles to diamond necklaces, such as the Patiala Necklace, to reflect their wealth and status.
Palaces and the Politics of Style – Giles Tillotson reveals how palaces adjusted to reflect changing styles and attitudes. It was not just the interiors that changed but also architectural styles and decoration.
Indian Princes and the West – Amin Jaffer looks at the influence of the West on life in the royal courts from their early contact with Europeans to the period following Independence. The maharajas, fascinated by goods from the West, were quick to adopt many aspects of Western behaviour and lifestyle.
Anna Jackson, Amin Jaffer, Deepika Ahlawat – Co-editors of Maharaja…
- Anna Jackson, is responsible for the V&A’s Japanese textiles and dress collection. She is Deputy Keeper of the V&A’s Asian Department. Jackson has contributed to a number of publications including Art Nouveau 1890–1914 (2000), The Victorian Vision (2001) and Art Deco 1914 –1939 (2003). Her latest publication is Expo: International Expositions 1851-2010. Jackson has also curated several exhibitions including Encounters: the meeting of Asia and Europe 1500 with Amin Jaffer.
- Amin Jaffer is currently International Director of Asian Art at Christies and was formerly Senior Curator in the Asian Department at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Jaffer is author of Furniture from British India and Ceylon (2001), Luxury Goods from India (2002) and Made for Maharajas: a design diary of Princely India (2006).
- Deepika Ahlawat, a graduate of the V&A /RCA History of Design MA course, has catalogued the crystal collection of the Maharana of Mewar at Udaipur, and also assisted Amin Jaffer on his book Made for Maharajas: a design diary of Princely India (2006).
Maharaja... – the Exhibition
Maharaja – the Splendour of India's Royal Courts will be on show until 17th January 2010.
Maharaja – the Splendour of India’s Royal Courts is published by V&A Publishing and priced at £30.00. Hardback edition: ISBN 978 1 85177 573 6. Further details can be obtained from the V&A Museum.
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