Princely Palaces in New Delhi

Rajas and maharajas from all over the British Indian Empire congregated in Delhi to attend the great Delhi Durbar of 1911. A new capital city was born—New Delhi. Soon after, the princely states came up with elaborate palaces in the “new” Imperial capital—Hyderabad House, Baroda House, Jaipur House, Bikaner House, Patiala House, to name a few. Why did the British government allot prime land to the princely states and how? How did the construction come up and under whose architectural design? Who occupied these palaces and what were the events held? What happened to these palatial buildings after the integration of the states with the Indian Republic? This book delineates the story behind the story, documenting history through archival research, interviews with royalty and unpublished photographs from royal private collections. These princely palaces form an integral part of New Delhi’s urban topography. Built about a century ago for purposes that may not be of relevance anymore, these palaces are the relics of the past passed on to posterity, speaking of a time that was part of the continual process of knitting an unstitched destiny. A colourful procession in full regalia, uniformed men guarding the palaces, fluttering flags of myriad hues, saxophones regaling the guests, the tinkling of wine glasses … slip into a time-warp till you encounter the modern New Delhi.