Gayatri Devi (1) (1919–2009)

A charming account of life before British independence and the time of the Indian maharajahs. Gayatri Devi was the third wife of the Maharajah of Jaipur, the daughter of the Maharajah of Cooch Behar, and the granddaughter of the Maharajah of Baroda. In this book she recounts life growing up in India and the European continent, as well as some of the rituals and ceremonies that governed her life in India. She talks about her political life, as well as entertaining such personalities as Queen show more Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Jackie Kennedy.

It's a very good read, and recommended for anyone wanting to glimpse life in a time gone by. show less

Missed writing comments upon reading. Loved reading this fasinating story of an Indian princess (turned Maharani) who thrived both during and following the Raj. Learned so much,including about the how the uber wealthy network and socialize on a global basis.

A richly detailed autobiography by a woman who grew up as a princess in eastern India in the early 20th century and was the wife of a Maharaja when India became independent.

Gayatri Devi is a fascinating woman, intelligent and knowlegeable about the world around her. Born in 1919 and writing about 1970, she was part of major changes in India, including the coming of independence, the separation of Pakistan, and the dismantlement of the Indian kingdoms where her life had been centered. She show more tells the story of her life with clarity and charm helping readers appreciate the places in India and the people about whom she cared most deeply.
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The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur

The book presents an intimate look at the extraordinary life of one of the world's most fascinating women, and an informal history of the princely states of India from the height of the princes' power to their present state of de-recognition. We learn about the divide between Pakistan and India, about Indian culture as seen from the other side of the curtain - from the side of the rich and powerful.

Still alive, the daughter of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar show more and the widow of the Maharaja of Jaipur, describes her carefree tomboy childhood with her siblings in the palace, on hunts, journeys around the country, and the trips to London. We get to know more about her secret six-year courtship with her future husband, her marriage, her role in the politics of India, where she won a Parliament seat. John F. Kennedy introduced her as "the woman with the most staggering majority that anyone has ever earned in an election." She has appeared on lists of the world's most beautiful women. We hear what it took to achieve her goals and that not everything just falls in your hands even when you have the title of a princess or maharani.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in India and it's history. The book is also quite well written and amazingly easy to read for the genre of self written memoirs. There are not many exaggerated opinions of herself which would make it hard to bear. She appears true to fact and history - at least as she has seen and experienced them. The book takes you on a trip through Indian (upper) life and history and the journey is well worth your time. (taken from my Forum for Book Recommendations) show less