The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1895-03-22
ONE QUEEN IN INDIA.
The Maharanee of Kunigal and
Her Mode of Living.
Surrounded by Luxury and Beauty the
Royal Prisoner Dreams Away
Her Days in Oriental
Splendor.


The maharanee of Kunigal is n very
beautiful woman. Her tail figure Is
draped with airy and artistic effect.
The robe consists of much soft India
silk. ella aborately V embroidered, arranged
about her in mysterious grace. a very
enigma of garment without the eX-
plana tion of a single stitch. 1t i close
ly plated at the waist in front falling
in a fan-like train over the feet and
fastened with Il band of gold that Is
studded with crcscents of pearls. This
garment is short in the back and is
brought over the shoulders, hanging
in soft. loose folds. Her left arm dis
plays bracelet of costly gems of rare
beauty and of profound historic in
terest hich carries one back to the
time of Cleopatra. 1t was found among
some other buried treasures more than
a century ago, when the remote anccs-
tors of the late king acquired il. This
bracelet - supposed to have the power
To resist the venom of all species of rep
tiles. \ tiny linked chain connects it
to one of no less value at the wrist
Jeweled sandals grace her otherwise
unclad neither limbs, surmounted by
anlllets of gold.
She Will often express to her friends
the great pleasure it would afford her
to be able to go freely among her peo-
pie. This is, however, forbidden her
by the eXacting and severe law of her
caste, for, being a Brahmin. She is
Obliged to adhere strictly to the law
of inclosure." This compelS her at the
age of twelve To be veiled and live in
seclusion for the remainder of her life.
H.. 1 l.
of the world is necessarily severe
shock to the sensibibility of even an
eastern queen. Never again does she
receive or converse with one Of the op-
posite sex. save only her husband. the
maharajah. Neither is a domestic of
her household permitted to look upon
her, otherwise her caste would be
broken and her birthright cancelled.
This law among high caste seems cruel
and Inconsistent. but the penalty of
disobediencc is supreme. The violatOr
of 4 law 50 sacred among the sex as
that of Enclosure" has Il horrible des-
tiny awaiting her. She is expelled
from among her tribe in shame to be
come an outcast. eNiled from within
the walls of the city for her crime
But the present maharanee. SAYS
foreign exchange. now in her twenty
fourth year. has six little brown faces
to cheer her solitude. Her apartments.
large and luxurious. occupy one side
of the palace. opening one into an
other. Through long tapestried win
dOwS she steps into her private gar
dcns. where the air is perfumed with
the delicious fragrance of flowers. The
little rustic bridges that greet the eve
occasionally through these grounds
connect the many beautiful terraces
beneath which flows Il refreshing and
babbling brook. which. however. must
babble no secrets. Rivulets and brooks
are treasures in India. They are few
and far between in this region of mag
nificence. Here the royal prisoner. for
80 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 mem
sahib-who happens to bc a rare story
tellcr-as she is seated in one of her
favorite arbors where the citron vines
envelop the happy little group. pie
ture only eastern.
When the maharanee wishes to leave
her apartments the command l. given.
and in a moment the turbaned at
tendants that crowd the halls dis
appear as if by magic. The silence
that follows endueS the surrounding
with the air of ii sanctuary rather than
that of Il palace. Presently there
breaks upon the stiffness the faint
tinkling of a bell that announces the
royal presence. and the maharanec
comes forward. stately, gracious. kind
ly. every inch Il queen"
When she drives into the country in
her state carriage-a relaxation which
She thoroughly enjoys. being a true
lover of nature she must go closely
veilcd- Rarely a week pasSe, without
a trip through the picturesque midtown
lying between Kuuigal and Bangalore.
Here the range of mountains to the
west with their ma jcstic sllylines show
To the greatest advantage the play of
light and shade at sunset.
In travelling. the maharanee occupies
private compartments, which are high
" decorated and delicatcly furnished
in oriental style. arranged that she
may with ease enjoy the view of the
hills and plains and yet not toe seen.
accompanied by her ladies in waiting.
who share the same privilege. When
the destination Is reached an awning
| Immediately erected which forms a
omplcte passage to the state carriage
That awaits her, 50 that there is no pos
l,ible chance of satisfying the curious
gaze of all castles who patiently look
for her arrival. She is always glad to
see European ladies, as she is pleased
to call all foreigners, no matter of
what nationality. She converses free
" III several of the native languages,
especially Hindostani and CanareaSe,
and speaks English fluently. She loves
to hear of other countries, and the
habits and customs of other people.
She is particularly interested in all
that pertains to America.