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The House of Jaipur

The Inside Story of India's Most Glamorous Royal Family
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The House of Jaipur follows the captivating story of Jaipur's royal family, India's glamorous mid-20th-century golden couple, Jai and Ayesha. As figures who mingled with international luminaries such as Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote, they hosted lavish gatherings across palaces and global cities. The book explores their struggle to maintain relevance amid India's transition from colonial rule to democracy, highlighting the family's intersection with politics, personal tragedy, and society. Ayesha's outspoken criticism of Indira Gandhi during the Emergency and the family's resilience underpin this gripping royal saga.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in royal biographies, Indian history, and tales of societal transformation. Fans of political and personal sagas set against historical shifts will find it particularly engaging.

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A dazzling history of the powerful women and men who forged a dynasty to rival the Mughals and the British.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A gripping royal saga of charmed lives in a changing world.

The Jaipurs were India's mid-century golden couple; its answer to the Kennedys, or Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Jai and Ayesha, as they were known to friends like Frank Sinatra, Truman Capote, and 'Dickie' Mountbatten, entertained lavishly at their magnificent palaces and hunting lodges in Rajasthanβ€”and in the nightclubs of London, Paris, and New York. But as the Raj gave way to the new India, Jaipurβ€”the most glamorous and romantic of the princely statesβ€”had to find its place.

The House of Jaipur charts a dynasty's determination to remain relevant in a democracy set on crushing its privileges. Against the odds, they secured their place at the height of Indian society; but Ayesha would pay for her criticism of Indira Gandhi during the Emergency.

From the polo field and politics to imprisonment and personal tragedy, the Jaipurs' extraordinary journey of transformation mirrors the story of a rapidly changing country.

'Thrilling, deeply satisfying...a must-read.' - The Week

'John Zubrzycki does an impressive job of...building up a memorable picture of a glittering family brought to its knees.' - Daily Mail

'As historian John Zubrzycki dives into the lives of India's most powerful ruling family in a new book, we look at the power players, past and present, of the grand royal dynasty.' - Tatler

'A riveting saga...assiduously researched.' - India Today

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781787389595

Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Illustration: 16 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 344

About the Author

John Zubrzycki has worked in India as a diplomat, consultant, tour guide and Australian correspondent, with a doctorate from the University of New South Wales and background in South Asian history and Hindi. William Dalrymple chose his Empire of Enchantment, also published by Hurst, as a Book of the Year.

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