2: Kings to Commoners With the declaration of Indian Independence, at midnight on 14 August, 1947, the fate of the Maharajas was sealed. In less than a generation they lost everything.... states, special privileges and pensions.
In this programme, the former rulers talk frankly of how they adjusted - or failed to adjust - to the new age.
Empty thrones and deserted palaces - the evidence of decline and decay is everywhere. But some of the present generation are finding new roles ... in politics, tourism, even conservation. Others are keeping the old pageantry alive: the Maharaja of Mysore holds court each evening during the spectacular Dassera festivities; and the ladies of the harem in the City Palace at Jaipur make the traditional preparations for the 17th birthday celebrations of a very special princess.
Once again, the fictitious princess (Simi Garewal) is the narrator and Jugal Hansraj plays her nephew growing up in an India that may soon have forgotten the Maharajas.
Written by CHARLES ALLEN Researcher YASMIN ARCHER Film editor OLIVER WHITE Executive producer PETER HERCOMBE
Directed by JONATHAN FULFORD *CEEFAX SUBTITLES