The word 'maharaja' - literally 'great king' - conjures up a vision of splendour and magnificence. This lavishly illustrated book examines the real and perceived worlds of the maharaja from the early eigheenth century to 1947, when the Indian Princes ceded their territories into the modern states of India and Pakistan.

 

Jackson and Jaffer explore the spectacular material culture of India's rulers, showcasing  rich and varied objects that reflect different aspects of royal life. Indian and Western works from a wide range of media, including paintings, photographs, textiles and dress, jewellery and jewelled objects, metalwork and furniture, are considered within a broader historical context, exploring royal status and identity, court culture and patronage.

 

Anna Jackson is Deputy Keeper of the V&A's Asian Department. She co-curated Encounters: The Meeting of Asia and Europe 1500-1800 with Amin Jaffer and co-edited the accompanying book. She is also the author of Japnese Textiles, and EXPO and contribitor to Art Deco.

 

Amin Jaffer is Director of  Asian Art at Christie's. He was previously Senior Curator in the V&A's Asian Department and is the author of Furniture from British India and Ceylon.