V&A
Marvels of the
maharajas
The rich culture of India’s royal courts is modern western dress and it’s the first time
being explored in a groundbreaking they have been shown together in public.
exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Also on show in the UK for the first time
Featuring over 250 objects on loan from is the Patiala Necklace. Completed in 1928
India’s royal collections, the exhibition and restored in 2002, the ceremonial
explores the world of the maharaja from necklace was part of the largest single
the 18th century, when the great era of the commission ever executed by Cartier and
maharajas began, to the end of British rule originally contained 2,930 diamonds and
in 1947. weighed almost 1,000 carats.
It shows the changing role of the Elsewhere there are ceremonial swords,
maharajas in an historical and social armour, textiles and a carpet of pearls,
context and looks at how their patronage rubies, emeralds and diamonds made for
of the arts both in India and Europe the Maharaja of Baroda.
resulted in commissions designed to The final section of the exhibition
enhance royal status and identity. explores the role of the “modern”
Highlights of the exhibition include maharajas during the Raj and the
three thrones, a silver gilt howdah, gem- increasing European influence on their
encrusted weapons, court paintings, lives. As well as portraits by photographers
photographs, Indian turban jewels and and artists like Man Ray, Cecil Beaton and
jewellery commissions from Cartier and Raja Ravi Varma, this section includes
Van Cleef & Arpels in the 20th century. modernist furniture commissioned by the
The royal collections of Udaipur and Maharaja of Indore for his palace of the
Jodhpur have lent several spectacular 1930s, saris designed by leading french
paintings including two 1930s portraits by couture houses and a Rolls-Royce.
Bernard Boutet de Monvel depicting the Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal
elegant Maharaja of Indore. One depicts Courts runs from October 10-January 17
him in Maratha dress and the other in 2010. Tickets: £11. T: 0844 209 1770
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