Indian Ruler Travels With Family Goddess

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 231, 30 September 1936, Page 9

Indian Ruler Travels With Family Goddess

LONDON. Euler of 6,500,000 people, with an income of £2,000,000 a year; a man who neither drinks nor smokes, and will have his own private temple installed for Chamundeswari, the family goddess, in hi 3 London hotel—this man is the Maharajah of Mysore, wlio is paying his first visit to England. Mysore is one of the most up-to-date states in India, has 8,000 schools, a university with 5,000 students, and many hospitals and parks. The Maharajah has already arrived in Paris. He is travelling to London with 30 servants, three tons of luggage, and two tons of special food, will not visit a theatre and will attend few public functions. One of his first duties will be to seek aa audience with the King. In his private temple, beforo the little golden imago of the goddess, religious ceremonies will bo performed daily. The Maharajah is a deeply religious man, and has taken a daily turn at the spinning wheel as an act of penance for any evil actions he may have done. One of the wealthiest men in tho world, his tastes aro the simplest. But he i 3 one of the most lavish of entertainers. He keeps a fleet of 80 motorcars for the use of his guests. While the guests are entertained with choice wines the nosts sips at the only drink that ever passes his lips—water irorn the holy river Ganges. Lives on Vegetables He has never tasted egg, fish or any kind of meat, and during his stay over here of several months he will live entirely on vegetables prepared by his own cook in the hotel kitchens. In his palaco he has a small silver train which runs along the table carrying food to tho guests. One of his delights is music. His state musicians are tho best in India. Although 52 tho Maharajah is still an all-round sportsman and has played tennis, rackets and polo.