In an era when steamships still ruled the waves and imperial railways linked the continents together, an Indian king redefined the meaning of travel with regal style and international panache. Maharaja Sir Jagatjit Singh Sahib Bahadur of Kapurthala was not just a ruler; He was a citizen of the world long before globalization became a buzzword, and his travels around the world were as much about diplomacy and culture as they were about symbols of opulence and taste. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Jagatjit Singh was born on November 24, 1872 into the Ahluwalia family, and ascended to the throne of the princely state of Kapurthala in Punjab in 1877 when he was five years old. Over the next seven decades, he became known not only as a ruler, but also as an ambassador for evolution. His dream was to transform Kapurthala into a cultural melting pot and a hub of global taste, something he literally modeled on Europe. (Image: Instagram)
He built Jagatjit Palace, a magnificent residence inspired by the French Palace of Versailles, blending Indian and European architectural sensibilities in a bold testimony to his eclectic tastes. He also commissioned structures such as the Moroccan Mosque and educational institutions, reflecting a combination of secular vision and artistic ambition. (Image: Instagram)
But perhaps what truly set Maharaja Jagatjit Singh apart was his frank love of French craftsmanship, and especially his devotion to the luxury Parisian house Louis Vuitton. In the early 20th century, Louis Vuitton was already an icon of elite travel, creating sturdy and elegant trunks designed for long trips abroad. Not only did Maharaja Jagatjit Singh use these items, he ordered customized versions to suit every aspect of his life on the go. (Image: Instagram)
According to historical accounts, he owned more than 60 custom-made Louis Vuitton trunks, each designed for a specific category of his possessions, from robes and ceremonial suits to turbans, shoes, swords and personal effects. At today’s values, these boxes, even at prices starting at around INR 49 lakh each for the base models, will easily add upwards of Rs 30-50 crore (and perhaps more) for a 60-piece custom set. (Image: Instagram)
What made these boxes special was not only their sheer number, but their individual purpose. Each is carefully designed: wardrobe boxes filled with kurtas, sherwanis, and European suits; Accessory boxes designed only for turbans and ceremonial headdresses; Weapon Chests, home to swords and personal artifacts; And shoe trunks because the Maharaja’s shoes needed dignity during transportation. Such customization was rare even among the elite of Europe, but for Jagatjit Singh, traveling with the entire universe was the norm. (Image: Instagram)
Jagatjit Singh’s travels were far from mere sightseeing trips. He visited countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, attending world’s fairs, diplomatic gatherings, and cultural exchanges that broadened his view of the world. These travels helped him develop global relationships, strengthen his princely state, and bring back the ideas that shaped the cultural landscape of Kapurthala. He also served as India’s representative to the League of Nations in 1925, 1927 and 1929, reflecting his international standing and diplomatic acumen. (Image: Instagram)
Today, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh’s legacy lies not only in stone palaces and caravan routes, but also lives on in stories of the fusion of East and West. Louis Vuitton boxes, once a symbol of worldly travel and good taste, have now become part of the luxury tradition: a reminder of how Indian royals set the global standard long before the advent of modern brands. In fact, his family’s connection to Louis Vuitton continues to this day, with his descendants interacting with the brand and carrying on his legacy. In a brand-obsessed world, the Maharaja’s 60-plus boxes are a historical benchmark for elite travel. (Image: Facebook)
