Maharajas exhibition at the V&A
Left, Goldern throne of Ranjit Singh, c.1819 (© V&A Images), right, Howdah, 19th century (courtesy of Mehrangarh Museum Trust © David Dunning)
A glittering new exhibition opens at the V&A (10 October – 17 January) this autumn showcasing the lavish world of the Indian Maharajas
The exhibition looks at the role of the Maharajas as patrons of the arts and as rulers, exploring the material culture of their courts and the works of art they commissioned. It’s divided into several sections, starting as it means to go on with a life-size recreation of an Indian royal procession – complete with model elephant wearing spectacular animal jewellery – as a dramatic show-opener.
One of the most spectacular sections looks at the idea of kingship and the status symbols used to enhance the Maharaja’s power. Look out here for a splendid gold throne from Udaipur (it’s hard to miss), jewel-encrusted ceremonial swords and an elaborate palanquin used by the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s wife. The overwhelming impression is of a serious amount of bling – conspicuous (but in most cases beautifully made) splendour being an important instrument of government. Another section looks at the growth of the Anglo-Indian style, while the final section looks at the ‘modern’ Maharajas and their increasingly European life styles. Here you can see objects commissioned from European firms; there’s jewellery from Cartier (the Patiala Necklace made up of a staggering 2,930 diamonds), a Rolls Royce, couture by Vionnet, as well as modernist furniture commissioned by the Maharaja of Indore in the 1930s.
www.vam.ac.uk.
