In the early 20 th century, when princely marriages were matters of statecraft and compliance was expected of royal women, Indira Devi of Baroda rewrote the rules. Born in 1892 to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and Maharani Chimnabai, she grew up in a progressive palace environment that encouraged education and individuality – qualities that would define her life’s most famous decision.

According to reports by Tatler, Indira was engaged at 18 to Madho Rao Scindia, the ruler of Gwalior – a match considered politically impeccable. But everything changed in December 1911, when she met Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar at the Delhi Durbar. The meeting sparked a romance that would challenge convention across India’s princely circles.

In a move almost unheard of for a royal woman of the time,

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