By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana
In this undated intimate group photograph, in a studio setting, the Yuvarani of Mysore H.H. Kempucheluvajammanni (23.06.1893 to 30.12.1970) is seated at the centre on a European style couch surrounded by three of her children. On her lap is Princess Sujayakanthammanni (06.02.1924 to 30.05.1983) who was later in her life married into the royal family of Sanand, Gujarat. On to her right is Prince Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (JCW – 18.07.1919 to 23.09.1974) who later became the last ruling Maharaja of the Princely State of Mysore. Standing on to the Yuvarani’s left, resting her hand on the couch is Princess Vijayalakshmammanni (01.09.1922 to 08.12.2005) who was later married into the royal family of Kotada Sangani, Gujarat.
Such photographs were perhaps printed in modest quantities and gifted to members of the extended royal family, courtiers and those employed in the Palace, as they have been found in albums in several households in Mysore of same persons in different seating arrangements.
The Prince JCW is looking sharp in a long coat, a tight pyjama, a cap (makhmal topi), a pair of shoes and has sat down on the couch crossing his legs looking straight into the camera unwittingly emulating his mother. Princess Vijayalakshmammanni is made to wear a mini silk zari-butta saree complete with a daabu (waistband), a twin strand of emerald-pearl necklace and a pair of shoes. The youngest in the group wears a kid’s gown with a strap-on kid’s shoes. Both the girls seem anxious, look away from the camera lens towards their right and their hair is unusually parted off-centre towards their left (probably because they are kids). By being in the centre with an unwavering gaze, Yuvarani anchors the image just like she did in real life with her children who adored her.
