Fastes Occidentaux De Maharajahs : Créations Européennes Pour L'inde Princière

The Maharajahs' fascination with the West and its luxury goods has its roots in India's colonial history. It was under British rule that this infatuation took on its full scope. The princes, now travelling in Europe, took a liking to the refinements of a new savoir-vivre, and soon appropriated its lifestyles and most sophisticated attributes. Symbols of power and majesty, priceless jewels, ceremonial clothes, sumptuous palaces, precious furniture and modern cars apparently reinforced a sovereignty that had been weakened by the occupying power. Prestigious orders and purchases provided the great luxury houses with brilliant episodes in their history.

Exploring the archives of these houses as well as the palatial and private collections, this book brings to light the role played by the maharajahs in times when they could spend without counting the cost. For the first time, the creative dialogue between the maharajahs and the merchants who tried to please them is recounted. Full of anecdotes and richly illustrated, this book brings to life creations that are as sumptuous as they are inventive, sometimes even delirious, and which fulfilled the desires of these princes of legendary extravagance.