Maharaja

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 eighteenth century to 1947, when the Indian princes ceded their territories to 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 dresses, jewellery, jewelled objects, metalwork and furniture are considered within the broader historical context, giving readers an understanding of royal status and identity, court culture and patronage; while attractive feature spreads highlight particular maharajas. Essays by leading international scholars explore Indian concepts of kingship, the public aspects of princely life, architecture of the princely court, palace life and recreation. and the important role of the princes as patrons of traditional arts. Published to accompany a major V&A exhibition and tour, Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts is an indispensable examination of the extraordinary culture of princely India and provides a deeper understanding of kingship and power in India.

Anna Jackson is Deputy Keeper of V&A Museum's Asian Department. She co-curated Encounters: The Meeting of Asia and Europe 1500-1800 with Amin Jaffer and co-edited the accompanying book (V&A, 2004). She is also the author of Japanese Textiles (V&A, 2000) and Expo: International Expositions 1851-2010 (V&A, 2008), and is a contributor to Art Deco (V&A, 2003).

Amin Jaffer is International Director of Asian Art at Christie's. He was previously Senior Curator in V&A Museum's Asian Department, and is the author of Furniture from British India and Ceylon (V&A, 2001), Luxury Goods from India (V&A, 2002) and Made for Maharajas (2006). With Anna Jackson, he co-curated Encounters: The Meeting of Asia and Europe 1500-1800 and co-edited the accompanying book (V&A, 2004).