7 Mind-Blowing Facts About India’s Royal Families
India’s royal history is filled with grandeur, wealth, and jaw-dropping extravagance. While monarchy no longer exists, many royal families continue to influence society and preserve their legacy.
Ever watched a period drama and been mesmerized by the opulent palaces, exquisite jewelry, and lavish lifestyles? Imagine what their real lives must have been like! Here’s a peek into the fascinating world of India’s royals.
1. Maharani Indira Devi’s Obsession with Luxury
Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar had a taste for extravagance. She once ordered 100 pairs of diamond-studded shoes from the legendary Italian shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo. A hundred pairs of royal luxury—now that’s something!
2. The Nizam of Hyderabad’s Paperweight Worth Crores
Mir Usman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, casually used the Jacob Diamond as a paperweight! Today, this fifth-largest diamond in the world is worth over ₹1,000 crores and belongs to the Indian government. And here we are, struggling to afford a tiny diamond ring!
3. India’s First Openly Gay Prince
Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil made history by publicly coming out as gay. His revelation shocked his family, who disowned him for bringing ‘shame.’ Despite this, he became a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, earning international recognition.
4. The Wadiyar Dynasty’s Royal Curse
The Wadiyars of Mysore follow an unusual ritual. They worship the statue of a queen they dethroned centuries ago. Why? Because as she fled, she cursed the dynasty, saying they would never have a direct heir. To this day, they continue the ritual to ward off misfortune.
5. King Jai Singh’s Revenge on Rolls-Royce
When a Rolls-Royce salesman in London insulted King Jai Singh of Alwar, he devised a clever revenge. The furious king bought an entire fleet of Rolls-Royce cars—only to use them as garbage trucks! The luxury car brand learned a lesson in never underestimating Indian royalty.
6. The Royal Sunshade on Wheels
Speaking of Rolls-Royce, King Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV of Mysore went a step further. In 1911, he commissioned a customized Rolls-Royce to shield his servants from the blazing sun. This royal vehicle, crafted with care, recently sold for $400,000!
7. The Nawab of Junagadh’s Lavish Love for Dogs
The Nawab of Junagadh had a bizarre obsession—he owned 800 dogs. Not only that, but when his two favorite dogs mated, he threw a wedding worth lakhs! Each dog had a personal human attendant, ensuring they lived in complete luxury.
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Conclusion
India’s royal families lived lives beyond imagination, filled with luxury, eccentricities, and bold decisions. Though times have changed, their influence remains, and their stories continue to fascinate us.
Want to explore more royal legacies? Read more: An Indian Royal Family Keeps Legacy Alive
