INDIAN PRINCE SAYS HE WED WHITE WIFE AS GESTURE TO WEST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18465, 17 May 1928, Page 10

INDIAN PRINCE SAYS HE WED WHITE WIFE AS GESTURE TO WEST.

PROVES CLOSE UNION WITH EAST POSSIBLE. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, May 15. In his beautiful chateau near St Germain the ex-Maharajah of Indore, who wishes in future to be known as Sir Tukoji Holkar, gave the “ Daily Express ” the first newspaper .interview since the world discussed his marriage. “ We don’t want Westerners to look lightly on our marriage,” he said. “By marrying the Maharanee I have extended a hand to the West. It is for the West to understand the gesture and the right way to welcome it. We are showing the world that close union between East and West is possible.”

The Maharanee, tall, slim and graceful, was present at the interview. She said: “ By adopting Hinduism I have not given up Christianity, and never will give it up. Hinduism contains all the essentials of other religions and other philosophies. I have found in Hinduism a stronger striving towards brotherhood and a greater love of other human beings than in other religions. I shall always love India, and shall return there. 1 cannot describe the kindness of all Indians towards me.”—Australian Press Association.

The ex-Maharajah, who abdicated after the Mumtaz Begum affair in 1936, married Miss Nancy Anne Miller, of Seattle, on March 17. Miss Miller was converted to Hinduism in the same month. There was considerable opposition to the marriage in India and elsewhere.