Main Queen Victoria banna chahti hoon

The royals of India loved being the centre of attraction, and their portraits spoke of their wealth and slightly-delusional nature. The Guide flips through Portraits in Princely India and finds amusing stories beyond the glare of jewels

It's not just a photograph, especially when you are royalty. Portraits of Indian royals weren't just a display of

vanity, says Rosie Llewellyn-Jones, editor of Portraits in Princely India: 1700 to 1947. A portrait set the stage for the ruleru00a0it spoke of his importance, stature and was a reflection of what he wanted the world to admire. The coffee table book covers royal portraiture from the early 18th century to the mid-20th, and tries exploring what rajahs and ranis wanted to say through paintings and photographs.

The Maharani of Rewa wanted to look like Queen Victoria, reveals English artist EM Merrick. Dressed in a purple velvet dress with a broad lace collar adorned with a large broach, she sat uncomfortably in her tight English costume. The artist describes the awkward moment when the rani commented on the dress being "handsome", and the artist had no choice but to agree.

Much like role-playing, the sitters also often wanted to appear younger, fairer and more richly-jewelled than they actually were. Although Indian princes were increasingly inclined to wear Western-style clothes, on ceremonial occasions they were expected to appear in traditional style. But by the late 19th century, this trend began to change. A formal portrait of Maharaja Mahendra Singh of Patiala reveals, although he was wearing a choga and turban, he effectively modelled his clothes on Western court dresses of the period, right down to his dress pumps.

Dazzling baubles

The Maharaja of Mysore and his children

The Indian royalty loved jewellery and the portraits provided archaeologist, tangible illustrations of ancient jewellery. The portrait of Maharaja Yadavendra Singh of Patiala has him sporting a Western-style tiara on his turban. But Yadavendra also showcased the Patiala treasury amassed by his great grandfather, Mahendra Singh, grandfather Rajinder Singh and father Bhupinder Singh. Around his neck rests the diamond necklace that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie of France, and was purchased by Mahendra Singh. One of the most spectacular pieces of jewellery ever made is the legendary Patiala necklace with the De Beers diamond, that cascades down his chest.

Painted Portraits

Within the genre of painted photographic portraits, there is great variation of style in the application of paint. Often the paint was used to highlight certain elements, whether the jewellery or face. British administrator Lewin Bentham Bowring collected some fine examples in the 19th century and attempted to outline the history of each ruling family with names and dates.

One of the finest painted portraits in Bowring's collection shows the Maharaja of Mysore and his children. The painting is flawless, highlighting the folds of the girls' saris and the texture of the Maharaja's coat.

The Maharani of Rewa tries to look like Queen Victoria

Portraits in Princely India: 1700 to 1947, edited by Rosie Llewellyn-Jones published by Marg Publications is available at their office at Army and Navy Building, 3rd floor, 148 Mahatma Gandhi Road. Cost: Rs 2,500. You can also log onto www.marg-art.org to place an order

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