The House of Jaipur

Description

The Jaipurs were India’s mid-century golden couple; its answer to the Kennedys, or Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Jai and Ayesha, as they were known to friends like Frank Sinatra, Truman Capote and ‘Dickie’ Mountbatten, entertained lavishly at their magnificent palaces and hunting lodges in Rajasthan—and in the nightclubs of London, Paris and New York. But as the Raj gave way to the new India, Jaipur—the most glamorous and romantic of the princely states—had to find its place.

The House of Jaipur charts a dynasty’s determination to remain relevant in a democracy set on crushing its privileges. Against the odds, they secured their place at the height of Indian society; but Ayesha would pay for her criticism of Indira Gandhi during the Emergency.

From the polo field and politics to imprisonment and personal tragedy, the Jaipurs’ extraordinary journey of transformation mirrors the story of a rapidly changing country.

Reviews

‘John Zubrzycki does an impressive job of … building up a memorable picture of a glittering family brought to its knees.’ — Daily Mail

‘Thrilling, deeply satisfying … a must-read.’ — The Week

‘As historian John Zubrzycki dives into the lives of India’s most powerful ruling family in a new book, we look at the power players, past and present, of the grand royal dynasty.’ — Tatler

‘A riveting saga … assiduously researched.’ — India Today

‘Extremely readable . . . a nuanced view of the failings and contributions of Indian princes.’ — Sir Mark Tully, former BBC Bureau Chief, New Delhi

‘Zubrzycki unearths hidden gems with his remarkable storytelling.’ — The Hindu

‘An intriguing book which will keep the readers hooked till the end.’ — The Times Of India

‘Goes beyond the glitter and gold of the Jaipur royal household to dig out the obscure accounts of romantic jealousies, property feuds, fatal addictions, suppressed grief and more.’ — Indian Express

‘A fascinating and absorbing book with an unforgettable cast of characters.’ — Sagarika Ghose, author of Indira: India’s Most Powerful Prime Minister

Author(s)

John Zubrzycki PhD has worked in India as a foreign correspondent and diplomat. His books with Hurst are Dethroned; The House of Jaipur; and Empire of Enchantment, chosen by William Dalrymple as a Book of the Year. He is also the author of The Shortest History of India.