Showing posts from March, 2015
The sound of Conch shells and horns startled the bride. The Baarat was at the door. Ajabde felt her hands go cold in nervousness. She called Ratnavati by her side, " Please check one more time, how am I looking?" "Of course! Jiji, you look beautiful, as the Kuwarani of Mewar should be." She was not convinced. " Go check yourself in the mirror. I am going to the roof to see Kunwarsa." Ratnavati rushed out in excitement, as Ajabde stood in her room alone. She walked up to the mirror and checked herself for the hundredth time. She was wearing the traditional Royal red lehenga. Eight signs of her new married life were shining on her. The mang tika, traditionally gifted to her by Jaivanta Bai, the Bangles (white and red), Kamarbandh, Necklace, earrings, Nosering, Rings and toe rings made of gold, silver and various gems, completed her bridal look. Suddenly Ratnavati came back in, " Jiji, come with me." "Where?" "Come with me....
A huge procession made its way through the roads inside Chittorgarh. People had gathered on the main road of the fort to see it go. Among the horses and foot soldiers, there was a well-decorated royal palanquin. Maharani Jaivanta Bai had sent that, especially for the future Kuwarani of Mewar. Ajabde sat in it, guarded by two foot-soldiers on each side, her heart pounding as the palace came nearer. She heard people's voices as they tried to catch a glimpse of the girl who stole their favourite son's heart. Meanwhile, at the palace, a huge crowd of subjects had gathered for the official introduction of the future queen. A platform of appearances was laid out and well decorated for the event. At his Chambers, he was excited that he would meet her after such a long time. They had exchanged letters like he had promised all these months. He wrote to her without the royal seal, and she happily responded. Yet there was so much more to tell her about his trip around the country. The pal...
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Everything seemed to happen so fast over the past few weeks that she had no time to reflect on whether it was all for real or just her dreams. In the past week, he had arrived on her doorstep, with his parents, asking for her hand in marriage. Now, what was strange about that? Only, his parents were the Rana and Maharani of Mewar, hence he was the Crown Prince. For a commoner like herself, it was like a crime to even dream of being his wife. But it was all coming true! The Royal Pandit had arrived at Bijolia. He had gone through the Kundli and fixed the date for their Sagai. The Royal Maids who accompanied his family were busy decorating their home with Royalty. The Royal Tailor was called upon to take measurements for her ceremonial Lehangas, as it was a tradition of the Royal Family. Maharani Jaivanta Bai herself chose her jewellery and dupattas. The palace at Bijolia was busy with activities both in the main Hall and also at the Guest Quarters. At the far end of the Antarmahal, sh...
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Last updated: February 4, 2026.
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