Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) presents a major exhibition offering a fascinating insight into the world of the maharajas.

About the Maharajas

The maharajas (literally translated as "great kings") were Indian princes who inhabited a lavish world in colonial India. This exhibition tells their story from the 18th century when their great era began, to the end of British rule in 1947.

Maharaja at the V&A

More than 250 stunning objects are being shown, reflecting different aspects of the royal life.

Many are on loan from India's royal collections and have never been seen before in the UK.

Maharaja Exhibition Highlights

The highlights of the V&A's Maharaja exhibition include:

• A golden throne
• The recreation of an Indian royal procession
• A silver howdah carried atop a life-sized model elephant
• Jewelled weapons
• Photographs and portraits by Man Ray and Cecil Beaton
• A carpet of pearls, rubies, emeralds and diamonds

The Art and Style of the Maharajas Comes to London

The exhibition explores the history and role of the maharajas, their rich culture and their patronage of the arts in India and Europe.

The opulence of the maharajas' world is brought to life through the display of many luxurious commissions which elevated their royal status.

The maharajas commissioned saris designed by French couture houses, and stunning ceremonial jewellery, including designs by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Also on show will be modernist furniture created for the palace of the Maharaja of Indore, and designs for the Art Deco residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.

The Maharajas: Indian and European Cultures Entwined

The exhibition portrays the increasing influence of European tastes on the maharajas' lives, their embrace of the avant-garde, and how a new Anglo-Indian style developed.

Make sure you catch this wonderful exhibition to enjoy the lavish style of a unique period of Indian history.