The year 2009 is a shaping up to be a busy year for the V & A, with two new permanent galleries opening - the Theatre & Performance Galleries in March and the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries in December - splashing out a whopping £120m on the refurb. There are also two major exhibitions scheduled to take place; following the Baroque display is this lavish Maharaja exhibition, showcasing the treasures of the 18th century Mughal empire - what we now know as modern day India and Pakistan. Taking the 'maharaja' (literally 'great king') as its starting point, the exhibition displays an impressive collection of art works from the time when the maharajas ruled supreme. Beginning with the collapse of the Mughal empire in the early 18th century, these works take us up to the end of British rule in 1947. Among the rare treasures is the Clive of India Flask, a jewelled jade wine flask from the early 17th century and the greatest of the Clive of India treasures. This valuable collection was previously owned by Robert Clive, a 'heaven sent general', (according to William Pitt the Elder), who worked for the East India Company and helped secure control of India for Britain. Historically significant, it's thought that the million pound flask was seized from the Mughal treasury in 1739 by invading Persian monarch Nadir Shah.
The V & A has pieced together Quilts 1700-2010, an exhibition which elevates this traditionally homemade craftwork to art work. Exploring both the development of
quilting ...More
9 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
The Teenage Cancer Trust's annual programme of concerts returns to the Royal Albert Hall this spring with an eclectic line-up of music and a star-studded ...More
3 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
Behind the rather splendid original period façade of NH Harrington Hall lies a new hotel with every modern convenience included. This 200-bedroom, fully air-conditioned hotel ... More
3 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
Built in Edwardian times, the Rembrandt is an historic building but has been updated with contemporary décor and facilities. It boasts superb conference facilities, fitness ... More
4 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
In true French style, this chic cheese shop piles its wares high and stinking, with no fridges, or glass barriers to stop customers getting in ... More
4 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
A comfortable Brasserie that offers London's most daringly retro French dining experience, from the beautifully presented fruits de mer to the slightly snooty staff. The ...More
6 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
La Brasserie is a long-standing favourite with the Sloane crowd, handily situated opposite the most expensive shopping street in the world. This is a friendly, ...More
9 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
This is one of London's most prestigious art colleges and the world's only wholly postgraduate university of art and design. You will need at least ... More
12 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
The Knightsbrige branch of Space NK in Hans Crescent, right next to Harrods,
is especially appealing - not only does it sell desirable toiletries, ... More
9 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
Taking its inspiration from the American speakeasy movement, Barts is a tiny, intimate and relaxed bar in South Kensington which promises a refreshingly fun experience ... More
4 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
Private members club with a regular pack of paparazzi parked outside waiting for royals to exit after one too many vodka red bulls. Its popularity ...More
4 minutes walk from Maharaja: The Splendour Of India's Royal Courts
Private members club with a regular pack of paparazzi parked outside waiting for royals to exit after one too many vodka red bulls. Its popularity ...More
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The year 2009 is a shaping up to be a busy year for the 
