The House of Jaipur: The Inside Story of India's Most Glamorous Royal Family

Good service, yet to read the book.

It is quite astonishing to learn how they all fought for property despite having lots of it and money. Nevertheless, I always wanted to learn about Rajmata Gaytri Devi and this book allowed me the opportunity to do so.

I did not like this book at all. It is trying to portray how British colonization was a good thing for India and British were benevolent leaders. It doesn't show any depth and complexity of India cultures and trying to portray Indian monarchy in a very bad light. I really disliked how British tried to control everything but it is shown as it was a good thing.

The end notes and bibliographies form 25 percent of the book.That goes to show the amount of study that has gone into writing this book.But the first many pages belies the study.It contained only sleaze, sex, Alcoholism, Adultery, extra marital affairs and such other things.I wasn't prepared for this.I bought this book to read about one of most beautiful women- Gayatri Devi.I read on.And the book changed course midway and second half of the book was great to read.We have read as gossip the goings on in many Royal families and Jaipur family is no exception.But the amount of internecine in the family is unimaginable and all could be tied down to human ego.The author has taken a lot of effort to describe the aristocratic lives of the family members but often he has been judgemental and not leaving it to the readers after presenting the facts.Sometimes the language is condescending too which the author could have avoided.Considering the first half, the book merits 3.5 on 5.Overall deserves 4.

This is a must read for anyone looking to understand the modern history of The House of Jaipur. Very well researched book and takes you back to the bygone era of Indian Maharajas.

Continues where 'A Princess Remembers' leaves off. Well written.