Indian princesses in the fabulous cage: A historical paradox of socio-political stratification

Life of the royals fascinates people immensely as they are the replicas of power, wealth and luxury. India was ruled by the autocratic system before the advent of the colonial rule established here in late eighteenth century. After British colonial power became the paramount power in India, it declared native rulers as their allies due to diplomatic reasons, who thus retained their status. Though native rulers were now under the indirect control of the Imperial power, they continued with their luxurious life. But the life of a Princess or Maharani was not that pleasant as it sounds. The condition of the women of royal families was not better than common women. They faced the humiliation, neglect, emotional insecurity, financial dependency as any other woman. Their lives seemed fascinating but in reality it was a saga of caged souls who lead their lives according to the traditions and prestige of their respective families. The present research paper is an endeavour to extract the reality of the life of royal ladies.