Throughout history, Indian royalty has been synonymous with opulence and extravagance, their wealth allowing them to indulge in the most lavish luxuries. From the era of Maharajas, Maharanis, Nawabs, and Nizams, tales abound of their ostentatious lifestyles and peculiar spending habits. Some of the countless anecdotes of their excesses stand out for their sheer peculiarity and extravagance. These instances reflect the boundless wealth these rulers commanded and provide a glimpse into their unique tastes and desires.
From using a priceless 185-carat diamond as a mere paperweight to amassing over a hundred pairs of custom-made designer shoes, these eight episodes exemplify how Indian royal families spared no expense in fulfilling their whims, leaving a legacy of luxury that continues to captivate imaginations to this day.
1. Nizam’s Jacob Diamond Paperweight:
At the peak of his wealth, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, was counted among the wealthiest individuals globally. Among his prized possessions was the renowned Jacob diamond, the fifth largest polished solitaire globally, which he famously used as a paperweight. Today, the Jacob diamond is valued at approximately Rs 1,000 crores. In 1995, the Indian government acquired this coveted gem from the Nizam’s Trust for GBP 13 million (approximately Rs 130 crore), and it now resides in the Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai.
2. Maharaja of Junagadh’s 800 Dogs:
Muhammad Mahabat Khan III, the last ruling Maharaja of Junagadh, pampered his 800 dogs with personal rooms, dedicated helpers, and even telephones. He famously spent Rs 20 lakh on a lavish wedding for two of his favorite dogs.
3. Maharani Indira Devi’s Ferragamo Shoes:
Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar, known for her fashion sense, ordered over 100 pairs of shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo, some adorned with diamonds and pearls. Her extravagant tastes were well-documented in Ferragamo’s memoirs.
4. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II’s Silver Vessels:
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II of Jaipur melted 14,000 silver coins to create the world’s largest sterling silver vessels. These were used to carry holy water from the Ganges during his travels, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
5. Maharaja Holkar II’s Private Railway Line:
The Maharaja of Indore had a private railway line constructed exclusively for his personal use, facilitating convenient travel between his palaces.
6. Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia’s Silver Model Train:
The Maharaja of Gwalior was famed for his extravagant hospitality. He commissioned a model train made entirely of silver to delight his guests, stocked with imported cigarettes and liquor. This opulent train would circle his royal banquet table, allowing esteemed guests to select their preferred packs or bottles at leisure.
7. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala’s Cartier Necklace:
The Maharaja of Patiala was renowned for his extravagant tastes, especially in acquiring priceless jewels. His penchant led him to commission the renowned French house Cartier to create one of the world’s most lavish necklaces. Adorned with 2,930 diamonds, topazes, synthetic rubies, citrine, platinum, zirconia, smoky quartz, and featuring the seventh largest diamond globally, a 234-carat yellow ‘De Beers’, the Patiala necklace was estimated to have cost approximately $30 million (Rs 250 crore) in its original form, as reported by The Times of India.
8. Maharaja Jay Singh of Alwar’s Rolls Royce Revenge:
Legend has it that the Maharaja of Alwar once purchased 10 Rolls Royce cars in a fit of rage, a move that reportedly cost him a fortune. During a visit to London, he had initially been dismissed by ignorant salesmen at a Rolls Royce showroom, mistaking him for a ‘poor Indian’. Infuriated, the Maharaja returned in full royal attire and bought the cars on the spot. Upon his return to India, he had them converted into garbage trucks, prompting Rolls Royce to issue a formal apology for the misunderstanding.
These anecdotes highlight the extravagant lifestyles and eccentric spending habits of India’s erstwhile royalty, showcasing their penchant for luxury and unique acquisitions.
