Waiting For The King!

I don't recall how many small kingdoms India had in 1947, the year that we became an independent nation. However, I believe that the figure was much over 250.

I think that the first real consolidation started with the Mughals, and continued with the British reign. However, I do not believe that either really did much to consolidate us into one country.

This happened after 1947, when we had the services of the great Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Without the great task of abolishing the princely states, and consolidating us into one nation (even though we were a "nation" before then), we would have probably broken or splintered back into many warring factions.

Yet, old loyalties and habits die hard. The Royal families, some of them, have  gone on to become political leaders, with their suave charm. Some have stayed out of politics, but have stayed on as the adored rulers in their old principalities. Some have simply faded away. Small eras ended.

So, what does this picture have to do with royalty? Well, this is a shot I took in Mysore many years ago. Mysore, incidentally, is the home of Pattabhi Jois, the most famous teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. It was also the hometown of two great kinds of yore - Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

On this day, around Dussehra, people had gathered on their rooftops, on the streets, to catch a glimpse of the President of India (or, the Prime Minister), who was passing by that day. On Dussehra day, the old Palace of Tipu Sultan used to be lit up to celebrate the festival. Not on that day, though. I remember that the Raja was protesting the Income Tax enquires that had been placed against his door!

Yet, the president was passing by. The new Royalty. Without much of the pomp and finery of the old Rajas, but with a much larger power base. And, if you consider our tendency towards political dynasties, like the Gandhi family, it makes me wonder if people need kings. Else, why would a country of over 1 billion people stay obsessed with one family when we have the option, theoretically, to choose more able leaders.

The people waited on the rooftop, on the streets, to catch a glimpse of the new King, and to be blessed by his aura. Like they have always done through the ages gone by.