The morning call., 1894-12-29
ONE QUEEN IN INDIA.
The Mailaranee of KunigaI, Her Beauty
and Her Mode of Life.

The maharanee of Kunigal is very beauti-
ful woman. Her tall figure Is draped with airy
and artistic effect. The robe consists of much
soft India silk, deliberately embroidered, ar
ranged about her in mysterious grace, very
enigma OF garment without the explanation OF
single stitch. 1t is closely pleated at the
waist in front, falling in a fan-like train over
the feet, and fastened with belt OF gold that
Is studded with crescents OF pearls. This gar
ment is short in the back aud Is brought over
the shoulders. hanging in soft, loose folds. Her
lett arm displays bracelet of costly gems Of
rare beauty and Of profound historic interest
which carries one back TO the time OF Cleo
Datra. 1t was found among some other buried
treasures more than century ago, when the
remote ancestors OF the late King acquired II.
his bracelet IS supposed 10 have the over TO
resist The venom OF all species of Ieptiles. A
tiny-nked chain connects il TO one OF no less
value IT the wrist Jeweled sandals grace her
otherwise unclad neither limbs. surmOunted by
ankleIs of gold.
She VIII often express TO her friends the great
pleasure it would afford her TO be able TO 90
Freely among her people. This Is, however.
forbidden her by the exacting and severe law
OF her caste. Tor, being a Brahmin, she is
Obliged TO adhere strictly TO The LAW of in
closure This compels her at the age Of IL TO
De veied and live In secluslon the remainder OF
mr. me- This rigid deprivation of all enjoy
meht OF the world is necessarily a severe
shock 10 The sensibility OF even an eastern
queen. Never again does she receive or con-
verse with one of the opposite sex, save only
her husband. The maharajah. Neither is a
domestic OF her household permitted 10 look
npon her, otherwise her caste would he broken
and her blrthright cancelled. This law among
thls nigh caste seems cruel ana Inconsistent.
put me penalty or dlsObedience Is supreme.
The VlOlator Of a law so sacred among The sex
as that OF "inclOsure' has horrible destiny
awaiting her. She is expelled from among her
tribe IN shame 10 become an Outcast, eXiled
IRON wi!hin the walls OF the city former crime
But Inc present maharaneo, now III her
twenty-fOurth year, has six little brown faces
10 cheer her solitude. Her apartments, large
and luxurious. occupy one side OF the palacs
opening one Into another Through long tapes.
trled windows she steps into her private
gardens. where the air il perfumed with the
delicious fragrance of flowers. The little
rustic bridges that greet the eye occasionally
through these grounds connect the many
beautiful terraces beneath which flows 49,
freshlng and babbling brook, which, how
brooks are treasures in India. They are few
aud lar between in this region of magDfcence.
here Inc royal prisoner. for so she Is, takes
her daily exercise, joined occasionally by her
children, who come with the delightful antici
patton OF hearing some new fairy tales from the
lips OF the beautiful memsahib-whO happens
10 be rare StOry-telleT-aS she Is seated in
one of her favoriIe arbors where the citron
vines enveiop the happy little group, pic
ture only eastern.
When the mabaranee wishes to leave her
apartments the command is given, and III a
moment the lurbaned attendants that crowd
the halls disappear as ii by magic. The silence
tlaI lOlOWS enOueS lie SURROUNDINGS with the
air OF sanctuary rather than that OF palace.
presently there breaks upon the stiffness the
faint linking OF a bell that announces the
royal presence. and The maharanee comes for
ward, stately. gracious, kindly. every inch a
queen"
When she drives into the country in her state
Garage relaxation which she thoroughly
enjoys being true lover of nature-Sbe must
go closely yelled. Rarely week passes with
out trip through the picturesque midtown
lying between kunigal and BangalOre. Here
The range OF mountains TO the west, with their
majestic Sky,neS. show 10 the greatest advan.
tage the play of light and shade at sunset.
In travelling the maharaDee occupies private
compartments. which are highly decorated and
deicately furnished in oriental Style arranged
so that she may with ease enjoy the view OF the
hills ana plains and yet not be seen, accom-
panied by her ladies in waiting, who snare the
same privilege When the destination is
reached an awning is immediately erected
which forms a complete passage 10 the state
carriage that awaits Ter, so that there is no
possible chance of sa isfyiug the curious gaze
of all castles who patiently look for her arrival
She is always GLAD To see European ladies'" as
she is pleased 10 call all foreigners no matter
OF what nationality. she converses freely in
several of the native languages. especially Hin
doStaBl and Canarease, and speaks English
fuentiY. She loves to hear OF other countries,
and The habits and customs of other people.
She Is particularly interested in all that per.
talns 20 America.-Chicago Times.