Jayajirao Scindia, Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior and his suite

1870

This photograph is of Jayajirao Scindia (1834-1886), the Maharaja of Gwalior, with his counsels.

The Maratha Confederacy was an invincible force in 18th-century India. Ranoji Shinde, a Peshwas lieutenant who was pivotal in the Peshwas’ fight against the Mughals in Malwa, was one of the army’s rising stars. In 1731, Ranoji established his rule in the region and became the founder of what would later be known as the Gwalior house.

The family’s association with the British empire would only strengthen with time, and eventually, the name Shinde would become the anglicised Scindia. Jayajirao Scindia, who succeeded the throne of Gwalior in 1854. Among his legacies are the Agra-Gwalior section of the Great Indian Peninsular Railway, towards which he donated Rs 75 lakh, and Gwalior’s magnificent Jai Vilas Palace.

Title
Jayajirao Scindia, Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior and his suite
Period
1870
Photographer
Bourne and Shepherd
Dimensions
H: 22.5 cm x W: 28.5 cm
Accession No.
2017.67.25