Journal
Stories, reporting and perspectives from the collection.
Nahargarh Fort Jaipur: The Ultimate Travel Guide to History, Architecture, and Attractions.
Nahargarh Fort, a majestic fortress in Jaipur, stands atop the Aravalli Hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pink City. Built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this…
Sawai Madhav Singh II: The Rajput King Who Modernized Jaipur
Introduction Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. While many Rajput kings contributed to its glory, Sawai Madhav Singh II played a…
Photo: Archival view of an arched gateway on the approach to Danteshwari Mandir and Bastar Palace in JagdalpurChhattisgarh’s royal heritage gallery: what is planned
Plans for Riyasat Veethika could bring the histories of Chhattisgarh’s former princely states into a shared collection. An IRF update examines the reported proposal and the questions that remain.
Punjab’s last princesses: final days at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace’s exhibition on Sophia Duleep Singh and the women connected with her closes on 8 November, offering a final-weekend opportunity to consider a royal legacy shaped by political conviction.
Context photo: City Palace, JaipurShastra Puja at Hari Mahal Palace, Jaipur: Heritage, Community and the Pachar Family
Thakur Rajendra Singh Pachar and Kunwar Dhananjay Singh Pachar host a heritage gathering at Hari Mahal Palace, Jaipur, with ABKM office-bearers and royal-family guests.
Photo: A devotee carrying a deity during Kullu DussehraRupeshwari Kumari Singh: Family Heritage and the Living Traditions of Kullu
Explore Rupeshwari Kumari Singh’s Kullu royal family connections and her personal recollections of the traditions surrounding Kullu Dussehra.
Photo: Kukkuteswara Swamy temple complex at PithapuramPithapuram Zamindari: A Landed Estate with a Lasting Telugu Legacy
Royal History · Coastal Andhra Pithapuram Zamindari: A Landed Estate with a Lasting Telugu Legacy From a revenue estate in the Northern Circars to a centre of literary patronage, Pithapuram’s…
Photo: City Palace, JaipurThe Next Generation: How Contemporary Royals Are Building New Ventures
Explore how contemporary Indian royals connect heritage with fashion, hospitality and digital storytelling, including Jaipur’s PDKF Store and Mewar.
Photo: City Palace viewed across Lake Pichola, UdaipurIndia’s Royal Families and Their Role in Craft Preservation
Explore the relationship between Indian royal families and craft preservation, from historic commissions to conservation work and artisan livelihoods.
Photo: City Palace, JaipurRoyal Women Who Shaped India’s Art and Culture
Meet royal women who shaped Indian art and culture through writing, urban patronage, architecture and craft livelihoods, from Gangadevi to Diya Kumari.
Photo: City Palace viewed across Lake Pichola, UdaipurHow to Experience India’s Royal Heritage Beyond Luxury Hotels
Experience Indian royal heritage through museums, architecture walks, craft encounters and regional history, without needing to book a palace hotel.
Photo: A photographed biryani dishRoyal Cuisine: Recipes and Traditions from Historic Kitchens
Explore royal Indian cuisine and historic kitchen traditions, with simple home-style saffron rice and cardamom kheer inspired by courtly flavours.
Photo: Umaid Bhawan Palace, JodhpurHeritage Hotels Owned or Managed by Indian Royal Families
Understand heritage hotels owned or managed by Indian royal families, with examples from Udaipur and Jodhpur and questions to ask before booking.
Photo: Main building of Mayo College in Ajmer, RajasthanThe Royal Contribution to Education in Colonial India
Explore royal contributions to education in colonial India through Awagarh, Baroda and Mayo College, including patronage, access and institutional change.
Photo: Front view of Bara Imambara in Lucknow, Uttar PradeshRoyal Architecture of Uttar Pradesh: Forts, Havelis and Palaces
Discover royal architecture of Uttar Pradesh through Lucknow, Ramnagar, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, with tips for reading forts, palaces and historic homes.
Photo: Front view of Bara Imambara in Lucknow, Uttar PradeshThe Royal Families of Awadh and Their Cultural Legacy
Explore the royal families of Awadh through Lucknow’s monuments, music, literary culture and cuisine, with context on patronage and colonial disruption.
Photo: Exterior of Awagarh Fort, Uttar PradeshThe History of the Jadaun Rajputs
Understand Jadaun Rajput history, spelling variants, Yaduvanshi traditions and the connections of Karauli and Awagarh, with guidance on historical sources.
Photo: Exterior of Awagarh Fort, Uttar PradeshIndia’s Forgotten Royal Estates and Heritage Properties
Look beyond famous palaces to lesser-known royal estates, from Karauli and Bundi to Awagarh, with guidance for responsible heritage exploration.