This Indian King had 10 wives, harem full of 350 mistresses, erotic sculptures on bedroom ceiling for pleasure, he is…
In history, the accounts of monarchs and their lavish lifestyles often ignite our imagination. One such individual who exemplifies luxury and magnificence was Maharaja Sir Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. His existence was characterized by remarkable grandeur and accomplishments, a representation of the influence and status that accompanied being a ruler in the era of Indian princely states and British rule. From the renowned Patiala Peg to the iconic Patiala Necklace, Bhupinder Singh was known as the symbols of extravagance. Born into the Jat Sikh Phulkian dynasty in 1891, he ascended to the throne at only nine years old.
Married 10 women and kept a harem of 350 mistresses
The Maharaja’s personal life was one of extreme luxury, matching his public image. He wedded ten women and kept a harem of 350 mistresses, creating a lavish realm of indulgence. Among this vast household, he had 88 offspring, with 52 reaching maturity. While the figures are astounding, they merely hint at the grandeur of the Maharaja’s extravagant existence.
He would demonstrate his personal interest in his concubines by hiring a team of professionals, including jewellers, hair stylists, perfumers, and plastic surgeons from Britain and France to alter their appearances according to his preferences.
Rajmata Vimala Kaur was his favourite, and the two frequently travelled overseas and gave public appearances.
Erotic sculptures on bedroom ceiling
His opulent lifestyle was further illustrated by his daily habits. James Sherwood, in an article on Bhupinder Singh published in Henry Poole & Co, described how the Maharaja would arrange his harem favorites around his swimming pool, so he could indulge in a caress or a sip of whiskey while swimming. Even his bedroom was decked out with erotic sculptures on the ceiling.
“In Patiala, it was said that the Maharaja would position naked favourites from his harem around his iced swimming pool so he could steal a caress or a sip of whiskey while he swam,” the article by James Sherwood quoted.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s love for luxury
Not only did Bhupinder Singh’s affection for extravagance extend to his personal connections, but it was also evident in his possessions. His collection of 44 Rolls Royce cars was legendary, and his affinity for jewelry was unparalleled. One of his most famous possessions was a breastplate adorned with 1001 blue and white diamonds, which he would wear once a year before his court as a display of his potency.
Bhupinder Singh’s love for food
His appetite for grandeur also manifested in his diet. It was rumored that he could consume forty to fifty boneless quails in one sitting, or soup made from the stock of twenty-four snipe. Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, in their book Freedom at Midnight, noted that the Maharaja could polish off 20 pounds of food in a day or have two chickens as a tea-time snack.