Charismatic former royal Rajmata Gayatri Devi, who had an eventful stint in politics and was jailed during the Emergency, died at a hospital in Jaipur on Wednesday, following prolonged illness. She was 90. She was admitted to Satokben Durlabh Memorial Hospital early this month and was discharged a few days ago. But she was readmitted on Tuesday as she was suffering from a chest infestion.
Suspense remained on Sunday over the contents of Jaipur royal Gayatri Devi's will, distributing her assets estimated to be worth Rs 1000 crore, that was expected to be released following the 12th day mourning ritual in Jaipur even as the palace was tightlipped on the matter.
Rajaji, an ardent follower of Gandhi, was a freedom fighter, scholar, jurist, statesman and the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna along with S Radhakrishnan and C V Raman.
A battle royale, fought over 15 long years, comes to an end as a prince and a princess -- grandchildren of the legendary Rajmata Gayatri Devi -- get back the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel from their step-uncles.
The battle for control of the erstwhile Royal Palace of Jaipur between Queen Mother Gayatri Devi and her grandchildren continued to be fought before the Company Law Board.
Miss Diva Supranational 2023 Sonal Kukreja is drop-dead gorgeous.
To the end, though, she embodied an elegance and way of life that, like the princes, belongs to another era. Nor would the ninety-year-old romantic have been daunted by her own demise, something she must have become aware of during her last outing in London when, critically ill, she chose to return to Jaipur where she hoped to breathe her last. From here, the ride into the clouds with Jai would seem to her at least a fairytale possibility.
At sunrise the following day, a hunt was organised for the queen to shoot a female tiger. But she decided a monarch should not make the kill and handed her gun to one of her staff to deliver the fatal shot.
The city is becoming more democratic as the past embraces the future says Rahul Jacob.
The petite princess is the newest catch of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The glamorous Rajkumari of Jaipur Diya Kumari is the third princess to join the saffron brigade.
It was raining stars at the The Indian International Jewellery Week. Take a look.
Baadshaho's sluggish screenplay and humourless rhythm are spectacularly low on swagger and daredevilry, feels Sukanya Verma.
They will fawn over a prize catch who has brought a rich dowry of Gwalior-Chambal politicians. But in the end, all BJP members are prajas of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi, notes Sunanda K Datta-Ray.
Dr Ravi Prakash's 250 vintage car collection includes J R D Tata's 1940 Buick Limousine and a Sunbeam-Talbot used by Lord Mountbatten.
The Unnao gold hunt is an exercise in softening Hindu sentiments in the bigger dig for votes in Uttar Pradesh in 2014
A modern day prince and princess are getting married in Bengaluru this weekend.
Shahnawaz Akhtar spoke to Diya Kumari at the iconic City Palace, which doubles up as her residence and office, where the princess opened up about her joining hands with the saffron brigade, being addressed by name and to a lot more.
When you think of Indian Maharajas of yore what is the one thing that comes to mind? Jewels! And that is exactly what the world will witness at Christie's, New York during its upcoming auction -- "Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence". The "unprecedented group" of objects is from The Al Thani Collection of the royal family of Qatar. It is expected to see competitive bidding from across the globe. As per Christie's, this collection is poised to be the most valuable auction of jewellery and jewelled objects. The current record is held by The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, which totals $144 million (Rs 1,003 crore). Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's jade hilted dagger, the priceless jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad, and a string of pearls belonging to Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur are among the 400 royal artefacts that would be auctioned on Wednesday. Here's a glimpse of the astounding jewels that will be auctioned.
Bharati Dutt witnessed life-changing events that shaped India on the threshold of freedom. Her memories are an account of how ordinary Indians saw India change.
Polo is regarded as sport of the kings. It was played by the likes of Darius, Genghis Khan, and Alexander the Great. Dr Richard T. Caleel, the president of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) was in Jaipur recently. Rediff.com's PB Chandra spoke to Dr Caleel on how the FIP is trying to popularize the sport.
'The CM seems to have forgotten that she is dealing with the Gorkhas, people known for their valour and loyalty to India.' 'It is shameful that Mamata Banerjee and her administration treated them like insurgents, choosing to use live bullets instead of other ways and means to control crowds.'
'In her insecurity, she destroyed the institutions of democracy.' 'She packed Parliament with her supporters with loyalty being more important than ability; she superseded judges; she corrupted the civil service.' 'She knew how to use people against each other and was quite a master of that.' 'She would do this with calculated skill and in the bargain cause enmity between brothers, split up families.'
'In her insecurity, she destroyed the institutions of democracy,' says Khushwant Singh.
