Each page has something or the other which is fascinating and fabulous. The opulence of our princely class is not anything new, but when you try living it out and experiencing it, it takes a new dimension. The Scindias were one of the richest states. Jai Vilas, apalce in Gwalior, was built expressly to receive The Prince Of Wales on his visit in1876. The chandeliers boasted of 248 candles, and twelve elephants were designated to take it up on to the roof. Well how ? I wonder. The durbar had mirrored walls and the dining table had a silver electric train running around it, to dispense, Port, cigars and chocolates !!!At either end of the room, sttod marble busts of King George nd Queen Mary, promptly garlanded. Indira, the elegant avivacious, and extremely beautiful Princess of Baroda, was engaged to The Prince of Gwalior. A perfect match of two rich states. The wispy princess also was not very perturbed by the fact that she was to be wed to the once married King, twice her age as it was the done thing. Gwalior had come to see her and had defined her roles and his roles. He did not have a male prodigy, so first duty was to beget one. The arrangement was like this. Thursdays for her..The rest of the days was for his first wife and concubines. She wd be seciond Highness....okay with her...until destiny whisked her away into a world of love and laughter..
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