Sat Sep 14 11:16:00 UTC 2024: ## From Zamindar’s Wife to Maharaja’s Queen: The Extravagant Life of Maharani Sita Devi

**Baroda, India** – Maharani Sita Devi, the former queen of Baroda, was a woman of remarkable spirit and lavish taste. Born in 1917, her life took an unexpected turn when she met Maharaja Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad of Baroda, the 8th richest man in the world, at the Madras Horse Races in 1943.

Sita Devi, then married to a wealthy Zamindar, fell in love with the Maharaja and, after seeking legal advice, converted to Islam to enable her divorce and marry him. She later reconverted to Hinduism. The couple moved to Monte Carlo, where Sita Devi became a prominent figure in the elite social scene.

Known for her extravagant lifestyle, Maharani Sita Devi’s love for luxury was evident in her extensive wardrobe, which included a thousand sarees and matching shoes. Her jewelry collection was equally impressive, featuring pieces from the Baroda treasury, including a seven-strand pearl necklace and a three-row diamond necklace adorned with the famed ‘Star of the South’ and ‘English Dresden’ diamonds.

Sita Devi also commissioned custom pieces from renowned jewelers like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Her flair for the dramatic was evident in her choice of accessories, including a 30-carat sapphire ring she wore at the Ascot Gold Cup, inviting guests to touch it.

However, their lavish lifestyle eventually caught up with the couple, plunging the Maharaja into financial difficulties. This strain on their finances ultimately led to their divorce.

Maharani Sita Devi’s story is a testament to her audacious spirit and the excesses of a bygone era. Her life was a whirlwind of luxury, love, and ultimately, the consequences of a lavish lifestyle.

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