Maharaj of Dholpur (1863-1901). Autograph letter signed. Simla (India). 23.05.1892. 8vo. 8 pp. on 4 ff. Gilt-embossed crowned royal stationery. With original stamped and sealed mailing envelope.
$ 4,824 / 4.500 €
(47696/BN32629)
An engaging letter to General Sir Thomas Dennehy, evidently sent in conjunction with a listing of the Maharaj Rana's horses ("every one tells me that if is the finest Arab stable in India [...]"). In it he gives accounts of his successes as a participant in local racing: "As it was the 1st year I gave this I did not think it right to run myself for the gold cup [...] I also divided the Guzrot cup this year with my cousin. I did not care to run against him, as I saw lie was awfully nervous & nearly cried when he was in the final & knew he had to run [against] me [...] I was [...] delighted to divide with him, for I have taught him the game & this was the first time we [tied for] a cup & as I have all the cups now I prefer it with both of our names on this for we may never have a chance of putting our names on one again [...]".
- His Highness discusses other racing matters, and ends by reporting that the temperature is 120 in the shade. Nihal Singh received the order of Commander of the Bath and the frontier medal for services in the Tirah campaign; he ruled from 1873 until his death in 1901. Sir Thomas Dennehy (b. 1829) served as Political Agent, Dholpur, 1879-85; he was extra Groom in Waiting to Queen Victoria in 1888 and to Edward VII in 1901. The enthusiasm for equestrian sports shared between British officers and administrators and well-placed Indians was an imperishable feature of the British Raj, as this interesting and affectionate letter shows. - Letter in fine condition, envelope with closed tear..