2-979-727 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Rajah Odetnuraan of Benares, 1857. 'The present Rajah of Benares has no political power whatever, and lives at Ramnuggur - a princely residence over the river, a short distance from Benares, which had previously been a fort, and the head-quarters of Cheit Sing. Travellers often speak of the magnificent hospitalities of Ramnuggur; and the Rajah has frequently attended the amateur theatrical performances at Secrole, which is the English station, two miles distant from Benares...At one of the Hindoo festivals it is the custom to shower a red powder on all the dresses; and at the parties given by the Rajah this process is used, among much merriment, to all the British guests in such a way as to recall the confectioneries thrown at Carnival time in Rome'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.