Servitude in a Princely Establishment: Bhopal, Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Century

Abstract

Bhopal, one of the ‘princely states’ and vassals of the British Empire, enjoyed special favour with its sovereign. Throughout a century, it was ruled by women who gained themselves, in India and outside, the glory of enlightened and progressive monarchs. Archival documents and memoirs allow glancing at the hitherto hidden world of domestic servants, who not only ensured the comfortable and luxurious life of the princely family, but also its high status and prestige. Among the numerous servants employed by the Bhopal rulers, freely hired local residents prevailed. However, the natives of some other countries, quite far from India, were present as well. Some of them came to Bhopal by force: The reputation of ‘progressive’ was no obstacle for the Bhopal queens for using slave labour, getting in response mild admonition from their British superiors.