The Queen Who Broke Her Engagement With Maharaja Scindia Of Gwalior And Married For Love

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 14:27 IST

The queen reportedly ordered 100 pairs of shoes and sandals from Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo, one of the 20th century’s most influential fashion houses

She spent considerable time in Europe, where her lavish parties became legendary. (News18 Hindi)

Indira Devi, born in 1892 to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and Maharani Chimnabai of Baroda, was a notable and daring figure in Indian royalty. Renowned for her beauty and charisma, she attracted the admiration of many Indian princes during her youth. Her engagement was initially arranged with Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia of Gwalior, one of India’s most powerful states. At the time, she was 18, and the Maharaja was 38.

Maharani Indira Devi, born in 1892 to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda and Maharani Chimnabai, was sent to London for her education.

Engaged, But In Love With Another

In December 1911, while accompanying her younger brother to the Delhi Durbar, Indira Devi met Prince Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar. Although she had been engaged for a year, the encounter changed everything. Indira and Jitendra soon fell deeply in love, even as Jitendra carried the reputation of being a charming, carefree playboy prince.

Indira Devi was renowned for her striking beauty and was considered one of the most elegant women of her time. Mother of Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, she earned the title “Goddess of Fashion" and is credited with popularising the chiffon sari in India. Her exquisite taste was legendary, she once ordered 100 pairs of sandals from a famous Italian shoemaker, some adorned with diamonds and precious stones.

Called Off The Engagement In A Letter

Jitendra was the son of King Nripendra Narayan of Cooch Behar, now in present-day West Bengal. Indira Devi knew that ending her engagement would bring immense disgrace and anger her parents, yet she chose to act on her own terms. She personally wrote to the Maharaja of Gwalior, formally calling off the engagement. The decision stunned the Baroda royal family and sent shockwaves through other princely households across India.

Married In London Against Her Parents’ Wishes

Although Indira’s parents eventually accepted the broken engagement with the Gwalior royal family, they firmly opposed her marrying Jitendra. They even warned him to stay away from her. But the two remained resolute in their decision. Hoping distance would weaken her feelings, Indira’s parents sent her to Europe, yet the separation only strengthened her resolve. She went on to marry Jitendra in London, with no member of her family attending the ceremony.

Became The Ruler Of Cooch Behar

After the death of his elder brother, Jitendra ascended the throne of Cooch Behar, making Indira its queen. The couple had five children—Jagadipendra Narayan, Indrajitendra Narayan, Ila Devi, Menaka Devi and Gayatri Devi. But fate dealt another blow when Maharaja Jitendra died just a few years later, with excessive drinking cited as a major cause. With her eldest son still a minor, Indira Devi assumed the role of regent.

A Regal Life In Europe

From 1922 to 1936, she ruled as regent with efficiency and a modern outlook. She spent considerable time in Europe, where her lavish parties became legendary. She was a favourite in elite circles and counted several Hollywood stars among her close friends and regular guests.

The Diamonds-And-Pearls Sandal Story

The famous diamond-and-pearl sandals associated with Indira Devi have their own charm. She commissioned 100 pairs of shoes and sandals from the iconic Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo, one of the most influential fashion houses of the 20th century.

Ferragamo wrote in his autobiography that the queen once placed an order that included sandals studded with diamonds and pearls-jewels she sent herself along with the design request.

One Of The Richest Women Of Her Era

Indira Devi was among the wealthiest women of her time. She owned thousands of acres across Cooch Behar and beyond, along with a grand palace in Cooch Behar, mansions in Kolkata and a summer home in Darjeeling. Her collection of diamonds, gems, pearls and exquisite jewellery was vast. She also owned luxurious villas and apartments in Switzerland and France, and her lifestyle—marked by fashion, opulence and expensive cars—became part of her legend. Her wealth today is estimated to be in the tens of millions to billions of dollars.

Death In Europe

Indira Devi died in 1967 at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with cancer. She had travelled to Europe for treatment, where she eventually passed away.

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