The Indian Maharaja Who Spent ₹2 Crore For His Dog’s Wedding
Muhammad Mahabat Khan, Maharaja of Junagadh was known for his love for canines. The Maharaja was born in 1898 and took over the throne in 1911, at the age of just 13, after the death of his father.
It is said that the Maharaja of Junagadh had over 800 dogs who lived with him in his royal palace. Each dog, pampered with no bounds, had its own room and a personal caretaker. People said that the Maharaja liked his pets more than humans as well… and we are going to tell you just how much he loved one of his pet dogs.
Indians’ love for big, extravagant weddings is no secret. When it comes to celebrating the union of their loved ones, no expense is spared. The festivities often span several days, filled with grandeur and joy.
But the details of this one-of-a-kind furry wedding will leave your jaws dropped. Now, Indian kings are known for some really extravagant things, but this tail is truly like no other.
This story is about his favourite dog, Roshanara, who fell in love with a golden retriever named Bobby. Like any happy parent, the Maharaja was thrilled to learn about their courtship and decided to make things official. To celebrate this union, he planned a grand wedding, like any royal human would get, for his beloved dog.
The palace was decorated with flowers and lights as guests from all over the country came to witness the wedding of two dogs. The bride, Roshanara, was escorted in a silver palki (palanquin). She was dressed in traditional fabrics and extravagant jewellery as the guests admired her.
The groom, on the other hand, wore gold bracelets and had a grand procession led by 250 dogs.
This royal affair became more than just an intimate wedding as onlookers gathered on the streets eager to watch this one-of-a-kind wedding. It was done with everything you would expect to see in a wedding between humans— from delectable feasts to dance performances. The day of the wedding was even declared to be a state holiday as the entire city gathered with excitement to witness the wedding.
The Maharaja reportedly spent ₹2 crore on this celebration, which is close to $250,000 in today’s time. However, ₹2 crore was a huge deal back then. Most people don’t even spend that kind of money today on weddings. This wedding was a symbol of his wealth and power.
The Maharaja of Junagadh’s love for animals extended beyond just his canines. He advocated for the conservation of the endangered Asiatic lions who were at the brim of extinction due to hunting activities. He established a sanctuary in the Gir forest, which fell under his territory. He took it upon himself to protect these majestic creatures and created this haven to keep many animals safe and ensure their survival.
Today, the Asiatic Lion population continues to live in the Gir forest.
After India gained independence in 1947, Junagadh fell in the middle of a political turmoil. Due to this, the Maharaja immediately wanted to join Pakistan, but due to the intervention of the Indian Army, Junagadh eventually merged with India.
This led Muhammad Mahabat Khan to flee to Pakistan along with his dogs. In a rush to leave, between the chaos, he apparently left one of his wives and a child back in India. He spent the rest of his life in Karachi and died in 1959.
Behind him, he left his legacy of extravagant lifestyle and compassion he had for animals. With the wedding of Roshanara, he truly left an unforgettable mark on the history of Junagadh. The story of his love for his dogs shows us the true bond humans have with their furry friends.
