TITLE INFORMATION Tel: +1 212 645 1111 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.accartbooks.com/us Princely Palaces In New Sumanta K Bhowmick

ISBN 9789383098910 Publisher Niyogi Books Binding Hardback Territory USA & Canada Size 9.18 in x 10.39 in Pages 264 Pages Price $75.00

The first-ever comprehensive book on the princely palaces in Documentation based on extensive archival research and interviews with royal families Text supported by priceless photographs obtained from the private collections of the princely states, National Archives of , state archives and various other government and private bodies

Rajas and maharajas from all over the British Indian Empire congregated in Delhi to attend the great Delhi Durbar of 1911. A new capital city was born New Delhi. Soon after, the princely states came up with elaborate palaces in the new Imperial capital , Baroda House, , , , to name a few. Why did the British government allot prime land to the princely states and how? How did the construction come up and under whose architectural design? Who occupied these palaces and what were the events held? What happened to these palatial buildings after the integration of the states with the Indian Republic? This book delineates the story behind the story, documenting history through archival research, interviews with royalty and unpublished photographs from royal private collections. Contents: Foreword; The Journey; Living with History; Hyderabad House- Guests of Honour; Baroda House - Butterfly on the Track; Bikaner House -Rajasthan Royals; Jaipur House -An Acre of Art; Patiala House -Chambers of Justice; Travancore House -Hathiwali Kothi; Darbhanga House - The 'Twain Shall Meet; The Other Palaces - Scattered Petals; Planning the Palaces -Thy Will be Done; List of Princely Palaces.

Sumanta K Bhowmick spent his early life in Bhagalpur before moving to Delhi to work in the Parliament, in 1996. He studied science and literature, and has written his doctoral thesis on the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and Emily Dickinson. He has published books of translation, and has written research articles, short stories and essays for various journals. Driving down to his office regularly through Central Vista triggered his imagination, taking him to the days when kings rode the roads of New Delhi, then the Imperial capital, and led him to the story of the princely palaces in Princes Park. His passion for the history of Delhi grew with friends in the group Knowing and Loving Delhi Better (KLoDB), walking together every Sunday. He has contributed to the plaques put up at Mandi House metro station and Cochin House. He has also delivered a lecture at the University of Oxford on the princely palaces in New Delhi. The spirit of Delhi, past and present, fascinates him endlessly. Sumanta loves the smell of books, food and tea. He lives in Delhi with his family.

Published 4th Mar 2016