Royal exoticism: Imperial India on display

A vintage Rolls Royce on display at the exhibition.

It was my first time at the Victoria & Albert Museum. What took me so long? I wondered this walking through the marble entrance towards some of the most beautiful sculptures I’ve ever seen. It was one of those moments when I gleefully said to myself: “Yep, I live in Europe!”

The V&A is known for its impressive collection of applied arts from around the world, boasting Raphael’s Seven Cartoons, the Ardabil Carpet and even diamonds worn by Catherine the Great. It’s a museum that continues to grow. A set of 10 new galleries just opened in November displaying medieval and renaissance art.

But this time I decided on an exhibit called Maharaja, which means ‘great king’. The brochure states: “The exhibit shows extraordinary culture of princely India, rich and varied objects that reflect different aspects of royal life.”

After paying £6 (cash not accepted, so bring your debit card), I enter the impressive red-hued space that takes me to the heart of the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century. I am in awe. Enormous replicas of a festooned elephant and horse stand before me. Colorful fabrics, parasols, fans and other symbolic items of a royal procession show the power and wealth of this era.

The exhibit continues chronologically in five separate rooms that contain more than 250 watercolor paintings, photographs, video clips, costumes and opulent jewels (ladies—shiny objects aplenty!) all in context with that particular time period. Quite a few of the more choice items are on loan from Her Majesty the Queen herself.

Rounding the last hallway, I hear music reminiscent of an old black and white movie, and find myself in the mid-20th century standing face to face with a vintage Rolls Royce. This final room represents the end of British rule, when the final Indian princes still clinging to rule accepted turning territories into the modern states of India and Pakistan.

The Maharaja exhibit is an invaluable lesson in culture, religion and politics. India’s extensive and complicated history with Britain makes it an even more essential experience while living in London.

Despite the guards reminding us of the imminent closing time, my museum partner and I aren’t ready to let go. So what else could we do, except head straight for one of London’s yummy Indian restaurants.

Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts runs through January 17, 2010, at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, located on Cromwell Road; the closest tube station is South Kensington. For more information, click here.