THE SPARKLE OF ROYALTY

In a special feature, Brides Today explores the most cherished pieces worn by India's erstwhile queens for brides to take inspiration from.

- Radhika Bhalla

MAHARANI MEHTAB KAUR OF PATIALA

Simple yet impactful, the Maharani of Patiala’s look was a delightful marriage between simplicity in dress and opulent jewellery. As is evident in this photograph from the 1940s, her carefully-crafted style plays with lines and angles: the tiara adds length to the face, as do the dangling earrings and the longer diamond necklace that has been layered with a choker necklace. The beautiful diamond cuffs are accompanied by large rings that house a coloured, precious stone in them. Finally, the chiffon sari with a lightening-like pattern and her painted nails complete the look to perfection.

MAHARANI INDIRA DEVI OF BARODA & COOCH BEHAR

The 18-year-old, strong-willed Indira was already engaged to the then Maharaja of Gwalior when she met the younger brother of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Jitendra at the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The two fell in love. Taking matters into her own hands, Indira broke off her betrothal and married Jitendra in a hotel in London. After this (he went on to become king), the young Maharani began living primarily in Europe and cultivated a thriving social life. Her taste in fashion was equally matched: Indira's signature string of pearls and danglers in diamonds and pearls, worn with flowing saris carefully draped over the head, and her hair worn in waves, as was the fashion at the time. In fact, she turned the chiffon fabric into the sari staple as we know it today. Here, we see Indira Devi wearing a cuff made with three strings of pearls, and another with two large pearls meeting as a clasp. The simplicity of her style is enhanced with a bright, red sweep of lipstick.

MAHARANI SUNITI DEVI OF COOCH BEHAR