The City Palace Preface

The Royal Chair

The Royal Chair dating to c. 1911, was intrinsically connected with the city of Delhi. The chair connotes stories of power and pride. Commissioned for the Delhi Durbar of 1911, with exquisitely carved details in wood, sporting the insignia of Mewar, and the typical lion-headed armrest, it was reserved exclusively for Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur (r. 1884 - 1930 CE). A staunch traditionalist, the Maharana was ever cautious of British interference in the state and in its affairs. He refused to attend the Durbar and sit as a vassal of the British King George V, in whose honour it was held and wherein he announced shifting of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi. The chair was later sent to him at Udaipur, and is presently displayed at the Museum, at Baadi Mahal, The City Palace, Udaipur.

The Royal Chair for Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur c. 1911 with Coat of Arms, GRI (G - George (Georgius), R - Rex means King, I - Imperator - Emperor)