The Maharanis

The Maharanis, Lucy Moore.

Four Indian queens and their journey from Purdah to Parliament.  Covers the Maharani of Baroda, Rani of Kucch Behar, her daughter who became MGD, and their husbands, sons and families.

Engaging, well-written and thoroughly researched.  Also fairly politically correct in terms of the racism and negligence of the Raj.  Quite sympathetic to the Indian princes though, and avoids laying out the stark contrast between their lives and those of their subjects.  But thankfully avoids the Collins-Lapierre sensationalistic and simplistic sensibility.


2.5*
(Dec 2007)