WEDDING OF GOLD

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1929, Page 8

WEDDING OF GOLD

INDIAN RULER'S HEIR. BOMBAY, India, Jan. 8. There wore scenes of great splendour at Baroda, the capital of the State of that name, on the occasion of the marriage of Shrimant Maharajkumar Pratap Singh Gaekwar, the grandson and heir-apparent of the Gaekwar of Baroda, to a member of the ruling house of the State of Kolhapur. Hundreds of electric lights turned night into day, and great crowds assembled to see the marriage procession. The bridegroom, who wore a gold headdress, was seated in a gold liowdah on the hack of an elephant. Behind him, according to custom, sat his sister. The procession included elephants, gold and silver guns, and State infantry and cavalry. The Gaekwar and many princes, chiefs, sirdars, and officers of State walked in the procession, which was joined near the Residency of the Brit, isli President, Lieut.-C'ol. R. J. C. Burke. The marriage ceremony was performed in a shamiaua (ceremonial tent) of scarlet and gold cloth, and lasted several hours. A State banquet was held at the palace, and there were sports, which included fights between elephants and buffaloes. The Gaekwar of Baroda, whose riches include many valuable jewels, has frequently visited England. His heir received part of his education in this country.