Step into a world of extravagant palaces and eternal love, where India’s royal weddings echo through the pages of history.
Indian royal weddings are known
for their grandeur, withholding old customs and traditions, and, most importantly, their ability to bring cultural and historical richness to life. These weddings were not always celebrations of love; sometimes, they were powerful statements of alliances, social hierarchies, and cultural heritage. Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic royal marriages in Indian history, showcasing splendour that continues to amaze us even today.
Prince Azam Jah Bahadur, and Princess Durru Shehvar (1931)
Pic Credit: The Rahnuma Daily
The marriage of Princess Durru Shehvar, daughter of the last Ottoman Caliph, to Prince Azam Jah Bahadur, heir to the Hyderabad throne, brought together two of the most powerful Muslim dynasties: the Turkish Caliphate and the Asaf Jahi family. The ceremony, which was held in Nice, France, featured Turkish and Indian traditions and emphasized opulence and cultural exchange. Such was the hype of this wedding that TIME magazine covered it with the title Caliph’s Beauteous Daughter.
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi
One of the most glamorous royal couples in history, Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur and Maharani Gayatri Devi’s wedding in 1940 was a blend of traditional Rajput customs and global flair. The Maharani, famed for her elegance, wore her signature chiffon saris paired with exquisite diamond and emerald jewellery. The wedding took place in Jaipur’s City Palace, featuring grand elephant processions and rich Rajasthani feasts. This union is remembered for combining romance with unmatched sophistication.
Nawab of Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore
This Indian royal couple reminded us of Prince Rainer of Monaco and Princess Grace Kelly. The marriage of Sharmila Tagore & Nawab of Pataudi was the culmination of Bollywood’s splendour and aristocratic grace. The ceremony featured traditional Islamic rituals interspersed with elements of modern luxury. Sharmila wore a regal sharara that belonged to Begum Sajida Sultan of Bhopal. She was the wife of the eighth Nawab of Pataudi and also the mother-in-law of Tagore.
Maharani Sita Devi and Maharaja Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad of Baroda
Image Credit: Pinterest
The captivating love story of Maharani Sita Devi and Maharaja Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad of Baroda is one of India’s most talked-about royal unions. Their fateful meeting at the Madras horse races in 1943 set the stage for a whirlwind romance. Enchanted by Sita Devi’s charm, the Maharaja was smitten. However, Sita Devi was already married to the Raja of Vuyyur. Breaking societal norms, she divorced her first husband to marry the Maharaja, marking their union as both controversial and extravagant.
Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II and Maharani Sanyogita Bai
Image Credit: bollywoodshaadis.com
The marriage of Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II and Maharani Sanyogita Bai of Indore epitomized aristocratic elegance and modernity. The couple first met at Oxford University, and the romance blossomed and culminated in a grand wedding that blended tradition with cosmopolitanism. The couple were known for their travels and glamorous social life, and they often mingled with Hollywood stars and artists like Picasso. Their royal palace, Manik Bagh, showcased Art Deco innovation, complete with air conditioning and a jazz-filled ballroom. The couple embodied refinement, sophistication, and a love for cultural and artistic pursuits.
These royal weddings not only showcase grandeur but also reveal the historical context of their times. They served as political tools, cultural exchanges, and celebrations of regional traditions, leaving behind legacies that resonate to this day.
