ECCENTRIC NAWAB AND HIS DOGS

Junagadh was a small principality during the British rule in western India.  Ther Nawab, Sir Mahabet Khan Rasul Khan, was famous for his eccentricities. He was known to have pampered his dogs to strange limits.

He had the audacity to invite Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of British India, to his favourite bitch, Roshsanara's 'marriage' to Bobby, a Golden Retriever belonging to The Nawab of Mangral.

Of course, This invitation was outrightly rejected by the Viceroy as he was in no mood to indulge in this nawab's unprecedented and frivolous pastime.

A number of ruling royals attended the marriage. Earlier, 250 dogs of various breeds attired in brocade, a military band and a guard of honour had received the groom 'Bobby' at the railway station! This was followed by a grand wedding feast!!

This eccentric nawab owned some 800 dogs, each with its own room, a telephone and a servant. There was a fully equipped, modern hospital with a British vet to attend to their ailments.

Such were the eccentricities of Maharajas and Nawabs of Princely India!!



Raj Prateek Verma