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| Exhibition on India's royal courts at V&A |
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A three-month-long exhibition exploring the world of Indian kings and their rich culture is being showcased at a London exhibition which has more than 250 objects, many on loan to Britain for the first time. The V&A's autumn exhibition "Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts" includes three thrones, a silver gilt howdah, gem-encrusted weapons, court paintings, photographs, a Rolls Royce, Indian turban jewels and jewellery commissioned from Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels in the 20th century. The exhibition, which began 10 October and will continue till 16 January, covers the period from the 18th century when the great era of the maharajas began to the end of British rule in 1947. Many of the objects have never been seen in the UK before. The royal collections of Udaipur and Jodhpur are lending several spectacular paintings and objects. The exhibition began with a recreation of an Indian royal procession with a lifesized model elephant adorned with animaljewellery, textiles and trappings and surmounted with a silver howdah. "There has never been an exhibition like this before, showing the spectacular treasures of the courts of the maharajas. Many of the objects are leaving India for the first time to come to the V&A," said Mark Jones, director of V&A. "This exhibition will show that India`s rulers were significant patrons of the arts, in India and the West, and will tell the fascinating story of the changing role of the maharaja from the early 18th century to the final days of the Raj," said Jones. The exhibition is showing the changing role of the maharajas in an historical and social context and look at how their patronage of the arts both in India and Europe resulted in splendid and beautiful commissions designed to enhance royal status and identity. The initial displays explore ideas of kingship in India and the role of the maharaja as religious leader, military and political ruler and artistic patron. Symbols of kingship will include a `gaddi` (throne) from Udaipur, elaborate turban jewels, ceremonial swords and a gold 'ankus' (elephant goad) set with diamonds. A palanquin from Jodhpur used to carry the maharaja's wife will provide a rare glimpse into the lives of ladies at the royal court. The interior of the palanquin contains original framed prints and cushions. The next section of the exhibition focus on the shifts of power and taste in the 18th and early 19th centuries while the final section will explore the role of the 'modern' maharajas during British rule and the increasing European influence on their lives. The exhibition includes a spectacular necklace, originally with about 3000 diamonds weighing a 1000 carats, ordered by the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala in 1928. The show opened with the life-size depiction of a royal procession, displaying jewels, howdahs, palanquins and thrones as part of the 250 items loaned to the museum by the Indian royalty. Most of the objects have been loaned by the erstwhile royal families of Mewar, Udaipur, Jaipur and Gwalior. - Agencies Related Articles:
Last update: 11-10-2009 20:46
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