THE palanquin on which rests few of the most expensive treasures of our country will soon be carried over by its bearers across the seven seas – quite literally. London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the biggest and most renowned museums in the world, has entered into a unique collaboration with the ex-princely states of India to transport more than 250 of the most priceless possessions housed by the erstwhile maharajas to London for a period of four months.

Mark Jones, director of V&A, says, “A few months ago, a select group of three curators working with the Victoria and Albert came down to India, personally met the maharajas, assured them of the safety of their most prized possessions, and short-listed more than 250 items including paintings, jewellery, weapons and items of personal use used by royals dating from the middle of the 18^th century to the 20^th century that are to be taken to the London museum.”

 

Emphasising on the significance of this event, Jones says, “While many of the items in this collection will be taken out of India for the first time, this is the most comprehensive and large-scale project to find royal collaboration in India.”

 

According to Jones, these artifacts have been made in both India and Europe, commissioned or acquired by the Maharajas to enhance their royal status. “All of these artifacts are excellent dossiers of court life and princely patronage, and throw light on the way this royal patronage affected the production of luxury goods in India and the West.”

 

The royals will also be sending a representative from their own side to oversee the proceedings. Jones confirms, “We have extended invitations to these royal families as well, and they are very excited to be part of the project.”

 

TREASURE CHEST

 

A few of the artifacts in the collection are a portrait of Maharana Amar Singh, artifacts from the Udaipur royal court, a golden throne, swords and scabbards from the royal family of Jaipur.