Vintage Vignettes … from a Princely State

By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

The marriage of H.H. Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar to Yuvarani Kempu Cheluvajammanni avaru was celebrated on 17 June 1910. The photograph shows the event of ‘Kasi Yatra’ in the foreground of the Palace (still under construction). H.H. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV is seen on the left of the groom in between the two white parasols. A troupe of Mysore Lancers are seen in the background exiting temporary five arched porch.

The actual marriage ceremony, until the Nagavali ritual (to invoke blessings for fertility and to formally introduce the bride into the groom’s family), was held at the grand hall at Jaganmohan Palace (which was constructed for the wedding of H.H. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV Bahadur in 1900.)

The legend in the album describes, “The ‘Kasi Yatra’ or Pilgrimage to Benares. This portion of the ceremony concerns the bridegroom alone and is purely symbolical. It depicts His Highness Yuvaraja as a ‘Brahmachari,’ who having completed a course of religious studies, sets out on a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Benares and to bathe in its holy waters before settling down as a householder. On his way thither he is met by a ‘Grahasta’ or pater familias, who is supposed to be seeking a suitable partner for his daughter. The young pilgrim has been induced to favourably consider the arguments put forward by the ‘Grahasta’ and decides on abandoning his journey to return and enter the married state. The photograph shows His Highness clothed as a ‘Brahmachari’ on his speculative journey to Benares.”

This is a part of 46 photographs from a lavishly produced leather-bound album whose title page is given above.

[Image size: 28.5×21 cms; Album Collection: Ramsons Kala Pratishtana]