8 times when Indian royal families spent lavishly on bizarre items: From a 185-carat Jacob diamond paperweight to 100 pairs of Ferragamo shoes

Throughout history, Indian royalty has been synonymous with opulence and extravagance, their wealth allowing them to indulge in the most lavish luxuries. From the era of Maharajas, Maharanis, Nawabs, and Nizams, tales abound of their ostentatious lifestyles and peculiar spending habits. Some of the countless anecdotes of their excesses stand out for their sheer peculiarity and extravagance. These instances reflect the boundless wealth these rulers commanded and provide a glimpse into their unique tastes and desires.

From using a priceless 185-carat diamond as a mere paperweight to amassing over a hundred pairs of custom-made designer shoes, these eight episodes exemplify how Indian royal families spared no expense in fulfilling their whims, leaving a legacy of luxury that continues to captivate imaginations to this day.

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1. Nizam’s Jacob Diamond Paperweight:

Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, used the rare 185-carat Jacob diamond, valued at approximately Rs 1,000 crores today, as a paperweight. The Indian government later acquired this historic gem for GBP 13 million in 1995.

2. Maharaja of Junagadh’s 800 Dogs:

Muhammad Mahabat Khan III, the last ruling Maharaja of Junagadh, pampered his 800 dogs with personal rooms, dedicated helpers, and even telephones. He famously spent Rs 20 lakh on a lavish wedding for two of his favorite dogs.

3. Maharani Indira Devi’s Ferragamo Shoes:

Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar, known for her fashion sense, ordered over 100 pairs of shoes from Salvatore Ferragamo, some adorned with diamonds and pearls. Her extravagant tastes were well-documented in Ferragamo’s memoirs.

4. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II’s Silver Vessels:

Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II of Jaipur melted 14,000 silver coins to create the world’s largest sterling silver vessels. These were used to carry holy water from the Ganges during his travels, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

5. Maharaja Holkar II’s Private Railway Line:

The Maharaja of Indore had a private railway line constructed exclusively for his personal use, facilitating convenient travel between his palaces.

6. Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia’s Silver Model Train:

Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior had a model train made entirely from silver, designed to carry imported cigarettes and liquor around his banquet table for esteemed guests.

7. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala’s Cartier Necklace:

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh commissioned Cartier to create a lavish necklace featuring 2,930 diamonds, including the 234-carat De Beers diamond, among other precious stones, costing approximately $30 million originally.

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8. Maharaja Jay Singh of Alwar’s Rolls Royce Revenge:

In a notable act of revenge, Maharaja Jay Singh of Alwar purchased 10 Rolls Royce cars after being snubbed by salesmen in London, mistaking him for a pauper. Upon returning to India, he had them converted into garbage trucks, prompting Rolls Royce to issue an apology.

These anecdotes highlight the extravagant lifestyles and eccentric spending habits of India’s erstwhile royalty, showcasing their penchant for luxury and unique acquisitions.