A portrait of Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II by Man Ray; Image Source: Artnet

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They were once the able generals of Peshwa Baji Rao I. Originating from the Dhangar caste, the Holkars held a pretty important name in the history of India. Occupying the center of India and founded by Malhar Rao Holkar I, the Holkar dynasty represents a golden bygone era. Established by the Maratha chief and followed by the likes of Ahilyabai Holkar, Tukoji Rao Holkar, and others, the dynasty would see more than 200 years of rule and would eventually come to an end with the last reigning monarch Yashwant Rao Holkar II signing the papers for Indore state’s accession to India. So, who was this monarch who had to face such an ordeal so as to abolish the dynasty itself? A man who was not only a mere face of the last standing ruler, Yashwant Rao Holkar far exceeded the definitions and descriptions characterizing a king. A man of modern tastes and sensibilities, who had a love for jazz music and fast cars, in him, met the West and the East.

It is our love for Bollywood cinema that has often exaggerated our imagination of Maharajas and Maharanis. While it is true that they wore regal costumes and sat on gem-studded thrones and were carried on royal palanquins, they have often been seen as men and women without emotions. Often thought to be individuals who cannot think of anything beyond power and authority, our kings and queens have always fascinated our popular imagination. Unlike any such ruler, Yashwant Rao Holkar II of Indore was first of all an Oxford graduate, very much influenced by the wave of contemporary modernism. Hence, leaving behind his royal attire, he much preferred the suit, coat, and tie of a 20th-century gentleman and unlike his predecessors, he was a man who displayed an interest in areas other than ruling, controlling, and conquering.

> He was born on the 6th of September in 1908 in British India’s Indore state. Father Tukojirao Holkar was the reigning monarch and would go on to relinquish his powers in 1926, giving up the authority to his son Yashwant Rao.

With the coronation taking place in Indore’s Juna Rajwada Palace and Yashwant Rao taking the charge of his duties, the hopes and aspirations of the Holkar dynasty lay in him. However, most of his time was spent abroad, examining and admiring the architecture and style of foreign cities. Inspired and influenced, he would follow suit and adapt and apply it to his very own city-Indore. With his wife Maharani Sanyogita Bai Holkar, the two would commission the building of a palace called Manik Bagh which became famous for its modern-day architecture, use of stylish furniture, and art deco style.

> In his personal life, the Maharaja had to face a tragedy as his beloved wife Sanyogita Bai passed away only at the age of 22. The two had almost spent their entire lives together, with them studying in England and traveling thereafter to every corner of England.

 Later he would marry Marguerite Lawler from North Dakota but it would be another unsuccessful saga as it culminated into a divorce. His third and final wife would be Euphemia Watt, another American woman.

However, the highlight of his rule would take place only 4 days before Independence when on 11th August 1947, Yashwant Rao Holkar had to sign the papers for Indore’s accession. Later, he would serve as the Rajpramukh of Indore till the last few years of his life and by the end, he went on to work for the United nations. He eventually passed away on 5th December 1961, leaving behind one daughter, Maharani Usha Raje, and one son, Maharajkumar Sivaji Rao Richard Holkar. With him, there came an end to the illustrious affair of nearly two centuries, giving way to a democratic and modern-day India.

A man far ahead of his age, the last Maharaja of Indore, was known for his impeccable taste in fashion, style and architecture. His story of being the last ruler of Holkars was also simultaneously tied up with the history of India. 