My master plan to meet the Maharaja of Varanasi was carefully crafted based on a couple crucial facts that I unearthed through diligent research and Karl's previous visit.
Fact 1: Ramnagar Fort, an imposing structure perched along the eastern bank of the River Ganges, was constructed in 1750 by Kashi Naresh, which translates to "King" in ancient Kashi, now known as Varanasi. This vast rectangular fort, encompassing around 7.2 hectares, comprises several buildings, including a temple, ceremonial halls, and the Ramnagar Palace, serving as the Royal quarters. Presently, portions of the fort are open to the public and the Maharaja continues to reside in the private quarters of the Palace.
Fact 2: My research offered some basic insights into the current Maharaja, Anant Narayan Singh, affectionately known as the "King of Kashi." His Highness actively participates in cultural events that celebrate Varanasi's rich history and he continues to be a popular person. Additionally, he holds prominent positions, such as the Chair of various boards, including the Benares Hotels Limited, which operates renowned establishments like the Taj Ganges and Nadesar Palace in Varanasi.
Armed with this limited but valuable information, I set my plan into motion. My first step was to secure my accommodation in Varanasi at the Nadesar Palace. The historical significance of this palace was not lost on me, as the East India Company built it in the late 1700s and later taken over by Maharaja Prabhu Naryan Singh in 1899 – the same Maharaja Karl encountered at Ramnagar Palace.
Throughout the years, the Royal family retained ownership of the palace, using it as a guesthouse. Notably, it hosted distinguished guests like George V and Queen Mary during their India tour in 1906, along with other notable people like Lord Mountbatten, King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia, Queen Elizabeth II, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the Dalai Lama. And soon, it would welcome me. I reserved two nights at Nadesar Palace, spanning December 23 to late evening on December 25 – anticipating it would be quite a unique Christmas experience.
The second part of my plan mirrored Karl's approach – I aimed to inform the Maharaja of my visit, albeit with a slightly more formal touch. Rather than a simple postcard, I dispatched a well-crafted letter and package to the executives at the Nadesar Palace, Benares Hotel Group, and the Office for Ramnagar Fort. Within these packages, intended for forwarding to His Highness, I included details about Karl's encounter, reproductions of Maharaja Prabhu Singh's signature from Karl's autograph book, the newspaper article chronicling the visit to the Palace in 1900, and a selection of prints capturing the beauty of the Canadian Prairies and my other travels thus far. My heartfelt request for a meeting with the Maharaja accompanied these documents, providing information about my arrival in Varanasi and my stay at the Nadesar Palace. I left no stone unturned, offering my email, website details, home address, and social media contacts, eagerly anticipating a response. It was an effort that came close to sending a carrier pigeon, as I sought every possible means to reach the Maharaja.
With anticipation, I waited for a response. And waited some more.
As days turned into weeks, I followed up with emails to the same executives, reiterating my earlier communication and emphasizing the significance of the connection to the Maharaja's family.
And then I waited again.
And then it was time to go to India.
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