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Unravelling the lives of Vicereines of India

I recently bought a book by looking at the cover page of the book, it was Mary Curzon wearing the peacock gown. I finished reading the book today. Invisible Empresses of The Raj by Penny and Roger Beaumont.Here is a picture of it:
Many of us know about just a few vicereines of India. The book tells in detail the lives of all the vicereines from Charlotte Canning to Edwina Mountbatten. With little recognition, the role of the vicereines was powerful and the book illustrates it.
The book consists of eight interesting chapters. The first chapter talks about selection of the Viceroy and Governor General of India which was highly political.It's interesting to read that not all vicereines were so keen about being one. The motives of the 20 viceroys and their attitude are varied and this is told in detail.It's intriguing to know that the post of viceroyalty not only made them think twice but also get attracted to India's reputation for sensuality and opulence.
The decisions and planning of a new vicereine on her arrival to India is expressed in depth, the feelings, anxiety, politics, finances and so on. The life of these empresses in Barrackpore their daily ordeals, the story of pankhawalas  were of more interest to me.
Overall, it was worth buying this book and adding a piece of history in our library at home.
Jahnavi

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