Watch: How Maharani Indira Devi Elevated Saree Into High Fashion

Royalty has been synonymous with elegance and grace but Maharani Indira Devi of Baroda added a new dimension of regal fashion. She left an indelible mark in Indian fashion history by introducing the world to chiffon sarees. Not only did she become the new face of the traditional six-yard rope in a new era of sophisticated style but she also revolutionised comfort in women's clothing through sarees. Maharani Indira Devi's discerning fashion statement transformed the humble attire into a symbol of glamour and high fashion. However, the trendsetter did not just pioneer on the fashion front but touched upon many social aspects as well.

Maharani Devi was a trailblazer in her own right and did not allow the rigid expectations of the royal society to come in the way of her choices-- be it pursuing higher education or marrying the person of her choice. She was a rule breaker, who paved a path of non-conformity for generations to come. 

Maharani Indira Devi: Rebellion 

Indira Raje was born on February 19, 1892, into the regal Gaekwad family of Baroda. She was the only daughter among several children of Sayajirao Gaekwad III and his second wife Maharani Chimnabai. She grew up in the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, an opulent property spanning over 500 acres. The princess was among the first Indian royal women to attain higher education. 

Known for her striking beauty, Indira Raje had many admirers. She was only 18 years old when she was betrothed to 38-year-old Madho Rao Scindia, the then Maharaja of Gwalior. However, the princess had her eyes set on Jitendra Narayan, younger brother of the then Maharaja of Cooch Behar, whom she had met during the Delhi Durbar, in 1911.

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Going against her parents' wishes, Indira Raje broke off her engagement with Scindia through a written letter. Despite the Maharaja of Baroda's numerous attempts to break off the relationship between Indira and Jitendra, the love birds were persistent. Eventually, her parents allowed her to wed Jitendra, given she showed herself out of their family.

The couple tied the knot in 1913 in London and Indira Raje came to be known as Indira Devi, the Princess of Cooch Behar. Within days of the wedding, Jitendra lost his brother and took the throne of the Maharaja, making Devi the reigning queen. Indira and he had five children-- three daughters and two sons-- and lived a comfortable life. However, less than a decade later, Jitendra died of alcohol poisoning. 

Eschewing the stereotypes of widowhood, Indira Devi continued to conquer the challenges with poise. Clad in a white saree, she led a highly-active social life and travelled across the world for events and soirées. It was during her travel to Europe that she first came across the chiffon fabric in Lyon, France. She felt that the lightweight cloth would be the perfect material to turn into sarees.

Fashion Statement

With an eye for all things sophisticated, Maharani Indira Devi began adorning bespoke chiffon sarees tailored at looms in France. She glamourised the mundane six-yard women's attire, making it symbolic of regality. Years later, Devi's interpretation of the saree--  a stylish ensemble that exudes elegance and comfort-- continues to be almost every Indian woman's wardrobe essential.

Fast forward several decades, the saree is not merely a garment. It is a cultural time capsule that weaves together stories and traditional craftsmanship. Now, Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad, the present queen of Baroda, is following in the footsteps of her family's ancestors, crusading for handloom six yards and preserving the rich history of the garment.