BIKANER. H .H. Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner on an Edwardian embossed armorial card

BIKANER. H. H. Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner.  The ruler wears the uniform of his Lancers and seated to either side of him are two unidentified European ladies. The  portrait is printed on a 7¼ x 4¾ ins gold edged card embossed in full colour with the coat of arms of the State. The word BANQUET beneath the arms suggests that this was probably given as an important formal dinner souvenir. We have had similar dinner or banquet cards for some other states [for instance Mysore and Bhopal] which have included a portrait of the ruler. They would have been on the table at dinners hosting important visitors – usually visiting Indian or European Royalty or a Viceroy. The portrait dates from the early Edwardian era as he wears the breast badge or star of a Knight Commander of the Order of the India Empire, K.C.I.E., which he was awarded in 1901. The card hasa red credit at the right hand base reading Printed by Germany.  The reverse of the card has marks suggesting it has once been pasted into an old album and there is very slight damage along the top of the gilt treated edge of the card.   mar9/1