Exhibition provides insights into former Indian rulers' lives (2)

The exhibition is divided into four sections: Darbar, Palace Life, Beyond the Palace, and The Influence of the West.

"Darbar" means an Indian ruler's court, the center of rituals attended by courtiers and nobles. But formal events such as the king's birthday were opened to the public, who would get to see the king in his finest clothes and jewelry, as well as armed with ceremonial weapons and surrounded by regalia, signifying his power and royal duties.

A turban ornament exhibited in this section gives a glimpse of the king's splendor. It is shaped like a feather on a big rose, and filled with jade, gold, rubies, emeralds, topaz and pearls. Every gem is accurately cut and placed.

"All the treasured materials such as jade, diamonds and glass would only be afforded by and used by the royal courts to mark their wealth and show their splendor," says Rosemary Crill, senior curator of V&A's Asian department. "At the same time, the courts had their own makers, who would design and make only for the royal families with the finest quality."

The second section, Palace Life, explores the rulers and their consorts' private lives. Costumes, instruments and board games demonstrate their pastimes and pleasures.

"Women who appear in the paintings are imaginary and symbolic instead of real ones. What they do in the picture such as swinging and feeding birds are usually presented with the aspect of romantic love," Crill says.

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