The Maharaja of Kolhapur

The Maharaja of Kholapur, decked out in all his finery, stands here as if taking his final bow. The medals and mantles he wears are vestiges of colonial rule—the gold collar, mantle, and star correspond to the Order of the Star of India, founded by Queen Victoria in 1861 to honor Indian princes and British officers for acts of chivalry. The Maharaja of Kholapur was made Knight Grand Commander in 1947. The orders of chivalry established by the British ended on August 15, 1947, the day marking India's independence from British rule.

With independence, the rulers of India's dynasties were integrated into the Dominion of India. Rulers such as the Maharaja of Kholapur were allowed to retain their hereditary titles and official residences and were compensated in the form of a privy purse (an allowance for personal expenses). The privy purse was abolished in 1971, ending the official recognition of princely titles in India.