TRAVELLING IN STATE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 242, 11 October 1902, Page 4 (Supplement)

TRAVELLING IN STATE.

THE CORONATION VISIT OF THE

MAHARAJAH OP J3TPORE.

The Eastern guests and their picturesque retinues attracted much attention. His Highness Sir Madhow Singh, G.C.5.1.. Maharajah of Jeypore, is said to be th. first orthodox Hindu of rank to Visit Ensland. How he overcame the religious and caste difficulties involved in crossing thkalapani (Mack water, or sea), makes a curious story. He called his court pandits to him and requested them to discover some injunction or other from the sacred scriptures which should, allow him to cross the sea and yet keep his casta and scruples intact. It was a difficult problem, but ultimately they decided that nothing short of taking Gopalji, the Maharajah's favourite image of Krishna, with him, and eating nothing but food already offered to Gopalji, would meet the case. But another obstacle presented itself. How could he take Gopalji on board a vessel polluted by the killing of eating of the cow, the most sacred animal of the Hindus? This almost insurmountable difficulty was overcome with the help of Messrs Thomas Cook and Son, his agents, who secured for- him a brand new boat, just built, the upper deck of which had to undergo some additions and alterations to suit -the requirements Of Gopalji and the Maharajah. The Olympia, of the Anchor Line Company, was chartered (says the Bombay "Gazette"), [ and no other passengers but the Maharajah's party, consisting of 125 persona, | were allowed on board. Six kitchens were , fitted up—one for the family deity going I with the Maharajah, one for His Hlghj ness himself, one for the Sirdar of Jaj zeem, one for bandit Madhushdan Dfls, | the attendant Pandit, one for the other Brahmin followers, and one for miscellaneous cooking. Drinking water from the Ganges and food sufficient for six months were taken on board. An image of a Hindu god has never before been carried out of India, much less across the seas. The carrying of Gopalji across the ocean involves responsibilities and arrangements of the most peculiar and elaborate character. All stores required tor the kitchen of Gopalji were brought on board—from rice, flour and ghee (clarified butter) down to the smallest trifle* enough to last the whole period of_.th« tour. Particular care was taken not to be under the necessity of purchasing anj"thing or having any work done by fo> eigners. Even soil for cleansing uteris, etc., was taken on board, and washermen, carpenters, blacksmiths, etc., accomo-i** ied the party. Rigid Hinduism in It* truest sense was to be observed, and the rigidity of the plan Of His Highness has tilled every true Hindu heart with Infinite pleasure. Even when the. Maharajah a> rived In England all freah Indian vegetables ware shipped from Bombay preset ved In the best manner possible, for Go» paiji cannot touch anything not groWO in India. The cabin used by His Highness was made very comfortable^ A marble pavement was made, witty sllK curtains hung on all four _ides._|of P'*6 * ing and worshipping the family idol. Th? steamer authorities solemnly "-on.i-*d not to allow beef or veal on board the -isomer. In addition to £10,000 paid t« Messrs Thomas Cook and Son, the _-»_*• rajah had jewellery Insured by them f«* 45,000 rupees (a rupee la worth 1/4). I? 1*" teen million rupees were deposited Wit_ the company for His Highfteas's expw»*e« during tha tqur.