The designer recounts the evening she met Maharaja Gaj Singh in Jodhpur in his palace
Rajasthan is undoubtedly one of the most sought after tourist destinations for travellers including Hollywood actors and international celebrities seeking an insight into India’s royal heritage.
And Jodhpur and its royal experience is indeed a cultural and royal feast for them. Recently, designer Lina Tipnis and her husband Nitish visited Jodhpur to return with special memeories including meeting His Royal Highness the former Maharaja of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh.
Talking about her trip, Lina says, “From all the other holidays which include exotic destinations of the world, this one holds special memories for me. My love for history instinctively draws me to palaces, forts and museums.
This time it had to be the most beautiful of them all — the famous Umaid Bhawan palace. Built over a time span of 15 years, HRH Maharaja Gaj Singhji calls it an ‘A jazz age palace’.”
Explaining about her stay in the majestic palace, she says, “Umaid Bhawan with its glorious heritage and intricately detailed interiors brings alive the energy of the Golden Age of India and engulfs you and takes you through different time zones the city has witnessed. With the royal family still occupying one wing of the palace, it truly makes the experience complete, especially if you are lucky to be their guest.”
Gaj Singh is known for his lavish parties and hospitality especially amongst his Hollywood friends.
Lina who wanted to get a peek into the life of a king: “On the very first day I sent a request to meet him. Within a few minutes I received a call inviting me to an afternoon tea at the royal apartment. My husband Nitish and I were welcomed warmly by the Maharaja. Dressed in crisp white linen Gaj Singhji was the perfect gentleman, calm, composed and unassuming. At the end of the little tea ceremony he invited us to a dinner hosted by a close friend of his. The evening came as a beautiful surprise when he offered to escort us to Hanwant Mahal where the dinner was being hosted. The venue has left me with memories to cherish for a lifetime.”
Besides Umaid Bhavan, there are a few other places one should visit when in Jodhpur. “On Gaj Singhji’s recommendation we visited the Mehrangarh Fort. The view of the Blue Village, havelis and infinite horizon was mesmerising. The fort has been aptly described by Kipling as the work of angels, fairies and giants. Umaid Bhavan Palace is an epitome of Indian Royalty that brings back the grandeur of the Golden Age and the finesse of the Art Deco Era,” adds Lina.
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