Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/8



THE great Imperial Durbar, which is to be held at Delhi on the 12th of December 1911 A.D., will be regarded as one of the most memorable events in the history of the British Government in India. It is sure to surpass those that preceded it, in testifying to the success, grandeur, and beneficence of British rule in this country. For the first time in the history of British India, the King-Emperor is appearing in person at his Coronation Durbar. This fact has increased the importance and significance of the event, and heightened its interest in the eyes of the king-loving and loyal peoples of India, whose "intense and beautiful devotion," as the writer in the London Times has put it, "is the golden thread that brightens the whole tissue and gives hopes of union and continuity" to the Pax Britanica. The actual presence of the King-Emperor with his Royal Consort at the ancient imperial city of Delhi will, doubtless, give a distinctive character to this unique event. Such an important occasion will be celebrated in India, throughout its length and breadth, with unbounded Joy and enthusiasm. It is but natural, therefore, that such a glorious event should be commemorated in a suitable manner, and the present Album is but an humble attempt in that direction.

This work is not intended to be an official narrative of the Durbar, nor an elaborate history of the Princes of India. It is a mere compendium of brief historical accounts with portraits of the Indian Princes, Chiefs, and Zamindars, who form so conspicuous and integral a part of the Indian Empire. It is hoped that the Album will serve as a fitting souvenir of this memorable event.

The publisher has received, through the kindness of the Government of India and the Government of Bombay, every facility in carrying out his design, and he owes them a deep debt of gratitude. He offers his sincere thanks to His Excellency Sir George Clarke for the kind help and many valuable suggestions received from him from time to time. He is also highly obliged to all those Political Officers who have so kindly assisted him in securing photographs pf the various Princes and Chiefs together with the accounts of their States.

The Princes and Chiefs, the Rajas and Nawabs, as well as the Zamindars and Talukdars have all laid the publisher under great obligation by their sympathy and support, and he Cannot adequately express his sincere gratitude to them.