The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-07-13
THE MAHARAJAH OF KoLAPUR.
Picturesque Ceremonies at His In
stallation as Ruler.
From the Springfield Republican.

SS0AAabAOA4 aS II ulSIs
From the Springfield Republican
The adopted son of the late Maharajah
of Kolapur arrived at his majority one
day last April, and the great state cere-
mouiaI, such as always attends the en-
trance of native monarch on his reign,
was observed for the first time in almost
a generation. The realm had been ad-
ministered since the death of the late
maharajah by diwan, or prime minister,
and now Shahu Chatrapati was to take
upon himself the headship of the state
All Kolapur, says Indian Notes, had put
on holiday dress to grace this occasion.
! Two hundred mounted soldiers had been
sent from Bombay, white tents made a
pretty sight in camp, where the English
guests were entertained. For three nights
| the streets were illuminated, banners
were flying, inuumerable tapers twinkled
from the English residency, the town hall
and the palace, outlining the buildings in
| hight against the sky By night and day
| the streets were crowded with people who
had come miles and miles from the out
lying districts to witness the festivities.
Within the palace on Monday afternoon
our western eyes were greeted by scene
| of oriental splendOr. Imagine the in
terror of a spacious building newly dec
grated in white and gold, mirrors at
either end, flowers adjoining walls and
inches overlooking the main floor or Dur
bar hall, lofty gallery where the four
ladies of our party with those of the
English missionary societies and Lady
Harris, had excellent seats. Below were
seated over 200 native chiefs in their
richest regalia; robes of finest texture in
white or scarlet, glittering with gems
turbans in purple. white. scarlet, green
or pink, presented a brilliant array of
color.
AT the end of a hall, upon a dais, stood
the elegant carved sofa of rich gold bro
cade which constituted the gadi, or
throne. Behind it were standing, like
statues, four chief servants of the king
in their long red gowns secured at the
waist by elaborate girdles, each holding
this long gilt wand surmounted with
feathers AT either side of the Gadi were
two ancient retainers of the household
bearing heavy maces of gold.
As the hour of the installation APP
proaches, the crowds outside lining the
roadway becomes more excited, till finally
shout from the people announces the
arrival of the royal equipage. Servants
spread a bright crimson cloth for a carpet
from the steps to the hall. and, preceded
by tile political agents, the king entered,
led by the hand of Lord Har-
ris, governor of the Bombay
presidency. The dress of an English
courtier, including white silk stockings,
silver buckles and white knee brooches
with the gold EN- broidered coat, had all
the charm of novelty to one fresh from
democratic America. | think it will
amuse you to note that his highness wore
good English leather boots. His robe was
of scarlet cloth bordered with gold braid
he wore ponderous many-folded turban
of the same color, nearly square in shape.
This heavy head dress was ornamented
i Ia
brooch of mammoth pearls it was secured
by cord passing under his left ear. OF
course, you know, no Hindu removes his
Uurban indoors. About his neck were a
dozen rows of costly pearls, lower came
three of diamonds, while reaching to his
waist was a rope of gems. Under his arm
he carried dhotar or scarf of cloth-of
gold The dhotar OF common cloth or
muslin is used By all classes,
worn about the neck or shoulders.
The ceremony consisted of a speech in
English by the governor, the translation
in Marathi by the state secretary; re-
Spouse in good English by the maharalah
an address by the diwan relinq uishlng
the administration Of government, and
then ord Harris led his highness to the
long-vacant gadi, and. seating him there,
pronounced Shahu Chatrapati mahara-
iab of the state of Kolhapur, while the
air of God Save the Queen pealed from
the Land, salute of nineteen guns was
fired, and glad cry went up from 10000
throats.
Following the installation came presen- !
tation of gifts, a richly bejeweled sword
with Damascus blade. costing 1900 rupees,
rare fabrics on gold trays. Then gar
lands of flowers were thrown about the
neck of the raiah, one placed on each
arm. and a bouquet Of tube-roses in his
hand. Garlands and drops Of altar Of
roses were lavished on all present, in
GLIDING our gentlemen missionaries, and
with the giving of pansupari, native
decoction of betelnut, the assem- blaRe
broke up.
We ladies were pleased 10 be invited
into the apartments Of the rams, or
queens. where in a reception room Of the
palace, fitted up with the luxury. OF q
tifh avenue mansion, we saw and the
Marathi speaking women talked with
four generations Of queens, from the
groat grandmother. not apparently over
81 wears. down 70 the pretty, fair mother
If the tiny baby princess Of two months
In IN arms Of its English nurse An
these women had seen nothing Of the fes-