From Jodhpur to US: Tracing the dazzling history of the Star of Asia Sapphire
The coronavirus-induced lockdown led FPJ writer to take a trip down memory lane to the time when he visited the National Museum of Natural History and was left dazzled by the mesmerising 'Star of Asia Sapphire'
When Gayatri Devi’s mother turned down Prince Sawai Man Singh II for wanting to marry the 15-year-old
In ‘The House of Jaipur’, John Zubryzcki returns with fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the inner workings of Jaipur’s Kachwaha dynasty and India’s most glamorous royal family.
The splendour of the guns of Maharaja of Jodhpur
Guns, for the Jodhpur royalty, were not just instruments of self-defence, but also objects of indulgence, with the finest of gold and ivory inlay work, precious stone embellishments and metal craftsmanship making them even more priceless.
'The Maharaja of Jodhpur's Guns' chronicles journey of historic guns in India
International arms expert Robert Elgood explores historic Indian firearms in a new book by focusing on the famed Jodhpur collection that includes the best Indian matchlocks, modern British and American sporting guns, shotguns, revolvers and automatic pistols.
Rajputs with the golden guns
Robert Elgood’s ‘The Maharaja of Jodhpur’s Guns’ is a tour de force of the blood and thunder of Marwar royalty through its extraordinary collection of firearms.
Author John Zubrzycki’s 'The House of Jaipur' gives rare glimpse into India’s most intriguing royal families
There is more to this story of royalty than exquisite maharanis, handsome maharajas, fabulous jewels and opulent palaces.
When culture is not bound by boundaries
In 2015, Indian news channels were rife with the ‘cross-border Royal wedding’ between Amarkot (Pakistan) and Kanota (India). Kunwar Karni Singh, the 27th scion of Amarkot’s Sodha dynasty, was tying the knot with Kanota’s Rajkumari Padmini Singh Rathore.
Book the Indian palace suite Princess Diana stayed-in on Airbnb
No invite from the Ambanis? No problem, try old money instead with a US$8,000 Airbnb suite in Padmanabh Singh’s palace – or if your budget won’t stretch to it, just tour its historic halls.
The Royal Touch
Young royal family scions who are out to make the world a better place - and how
29th Oct, 2020 Read more...
When Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession and J&K became part of India
India's freedom may have been a hard-won battle, but in the latter half of 1947, there was much left to do. Partition had forged two new nations, with migration taking place on both sides of India, and there remained small territories with independent administrations.
