Watch: The Last Rulers Of Indore Who Ruled With Panache

Maharaja Yashwant Rao II and Maharani Sanyogita Bai Holkar are regarded as controversial figures today. Like most rulers of princely states, the couple dabbled in luxurious hobbies and were known for their grandiosity during the Indian freedom struggle, exhibiting an apparent detachment from the nationalist movement. While the Maharaja has made several contributions to India's infrastructure, their opulent lifestyle-- characterised by their exquisite fashion sense and frequent trips to Europe-- continues to stand out above all. 

Who Were Yashwant Rao II And Sanyogita Bai?

Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II of the princely state of Indore (in present-day Madhya Pradesh) succeeded his father Tukojirao Holkar III when he was 17 years old. He completed his education in England, at the Cheam School, Charterhouse and Christ Church, University of Oxford.

The Maharaja held the throne from 1926 to 1948, during which he commissioned hospitals, facilitated the first commercial flight between Indore and Bombay, and gifted an air-conditioned railway coach to Dr Rajendra Prasad. His era was often regarded as the 'golden period' of Indore.

In 1924, Yashwant Rao II  was married to Sanyogitabai Devi, the Switzerland-born daughter of Rajashri Dattajirao, the chief of Kagal (Junior). They met at Oxford University, where she too pursued higher education. The couple was known for their lavish taste and their love for travelling abroad.

They travelled across Europe and America, immersing themselves in the cultural capitals of the world, mingling with socialites, and capturing the attention of renowned photographers like Man Ray. They were also known for hosting cocktail parties attended by the creme-de-la-creme of the world.

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They commissioned the construction of the Manik Bagh palace in Indore, designed by the German architect Eckart Muthesius. It was adorned with Art Deco features and innovations like air conditioning and a grand ballroom, where they danced to the Maharaja's extensive collection of jazz records. 

It is believed that their assets, including the income from their kingdom, were collectively worth around $70 million. In 1980, many items from Manik Bagh were sold at auction in Monaco. In 2019, many were placed on display at an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris.

After Maharani Sanyogitabai's untimely death at the age of 22 due to appendicitis, their daughter, Usha Devi Holkar inherited their legacy and titles. Yashwant Rao II got married twice after losing Sanyogitabai but divorced them. The Maharaja's devotion to his late wife remained evident.