Delicious food was decorated on the tables in gold and silver utensils. The guests proceeded to the tables. Before eating, the Maharaja felt the need of a small doubt. The problem before the king was that who should open the collar of his pyjama?
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british rule The rights and uncountable wealth received by the indigenous kings had made them very comfortable and luxurious. For his small tasks, he needed such followers, who would be present in his service round the clock. Kapurthala Of Maharaja Jagjit Singh Had left everyone behind in this matter. From tying and untying the collar (Nada) of his pajama to decorating the turban on his head, pearl-paid officers were deployed.
Since it was not fixed when the Maharaja would need them, such officers were on duty day and night. Since he was directly related to the needs of the Maharaja, whether he was in the Maharaja’s palace or in any trip from the princely state to the country or abroad, such officers used to remain with him like a shadow.
That feast of George V
Maharaja Jagjit Singh used to visit England every year. During one such visit, the British Emperor George V and Queen Mary invited him to a dance at Buckingham Palace. This invitation was very important for the Maharaja. He was wearing his royal dress Achkan, churidar pajama and decorated turban adorned with diamonds and jewels. That historical waistband and sword were also tied around his waist, which were presented by Nadirshah to his forefathers.
The Lord Chamberlain of the palace respectfully honored and welcomed him and presented him before the emperor couple. According to the rules of the palace, Maharaja Jagjit Singh had to attend the event alone, leaving his subordinates outside, but he found himself quite happy with the emperor’s royal family and selected royal guests.
When the dance program had to be stopped
When the dance program started, Maharaja Jagjit Singh invited Begum Aga Khan to dance with him. She was a very beautiful French woman. The invitation was from a close friend of her husband, His Highness Aga Khan, so she accepted it.
The Maharaja had just started dancing with Begum Aga Khan that Lord Chamberlain came running and said in his ear that the emperor and the queen have started the dance. According to the custom of the court, during the dance of the emperor and the queen, other couples used to stop their dance.
Maharaja Jagjit Singh felt bad but had to stop the dance. But the night was long. Afterwards the Maharaja danced with several other beautiful royal ladies and drank a limited number of champagne glasses as per habit.
…and then take a sigh of relief
Delicious food was decorated on the tables in gold and silver utensils. The guests proceeded to the tables. Before eating, the Maharaja felt the need of a small doubt. The problem before the king was that who should open the collar of his pyjama? The officer of the state deputed for this work was outside in the car. None of his ministers were admitted along with the Maharaja in Buckingham Palace.
The upset Maharaja told his problem to Sir Clive, the private secretary of the emperor. Asked if Inder Singh posted outside for this work can be called? Clive said, how is this possible, Your Highness! Later permission was obtained with the help of Lord Chamber Lane. Inder Singh came inside and the Maharaja heaved a sigh of relief. Maharaja got a lesson. It was not possible for him to open and tie the ijaraband himself, but he stopped accepting such feasts, where the entry of servants with him was not allowed.
From tying the turban to grooming the hair, the servant
The Maharaja needed help even to tie the turban. A special Musahib was always posted in the palace for this work. Since the Maharaja could not tolerate any delay in this work, the person carrying out this responsibility kept many turbans ready. A turban of the favorite color of the Maharaja would have been put on his head as soon as he had signaled it.
Patiala king Bhupinder Singh and many Sikh kings had employed servants to take care of their long hair and beard. These kings used to choose the color of turbans according to the weather and occasions. The deployed staff had to take full care of it. Turbans were specially prepared for these kings in a factory in Mysore.
