The royal families of pre-Independence India were known for their extravagant lifestyles sparing no expense on fashion and luxury. From diamond-studded thrones and Rolls Royce used as garbage vans to telephones and personal attendants for their pets their wealth was showcased in remarkable ways. For instance Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan reportedly used a Rs 100 crore diamond as a paperweight. These Maharajas Maharanis Nawabs and Nizams lived lives of unmatched grandeur. This beautiful woman Indian princess who ordered 100 pairs of shoes studded with... ended her engagement with Scindia prince rebelled against family due to... While many admire actors wealthy businesswomen billionaire wives influencers and others for their impeccable fashion sense there was a woman who could rival even the trendiest icons of today. In an era when women regardless of their background status or wealth were often regarded and treated as second-class citizens—particularly in developing countries like India—Maharani Indira Devi of the erstwhile princely state of Cooch Behar defied societal norms and emerged as a trailblazer for modern women. Among the extravagant purchases made by royalty it is reported that Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar ordered 100 pairs of Ferragamo shoes some adorned with rubies emeralds and diamonds. Born in 1892 Princess Indira Raje was the daughter of Sayajirao III the Maharaja Gaekwad of Baroda. She spent her childhood alongside her brothers in the opulent Lakshmi Vilas Palace one of India’s most luxurious properties. According to Housing.com Laxmi Vilas Palace located in Gujarat spans an impressive 30492000 square feet making it four times larger than Buckingham Palace which covers 828821 square feet. For comparison Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia valued at Rs 15000 crore and regarded as the world’s most expensive private residence covers just 48780 square feet. Laxmi Vilas Palace built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III boasts over 170 rooms and even has its own golf course. She became the first Indian princess to attend both school and college. Renowned for her beauty charm and elegance Princess Indira captured several royal suitors. Her father eventually arranged her engagement to Madho Rao Scindia the Maharaja of Gwalior uniting two of the most powerful royal families of pre-Independent India. However the Maharaja two decades older than Indira already had a wife and strict protocols outlined the expectations for his queens. Despite her hesitation the engagement proceeded with grandeur. A year later Indira met Prince Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar and fell deeply in love. According to a GQ India report she personally ended her engagement to the Maharaja of Gwalior by writing him a letter. Indira faced fierce opposition from her parents who disapproved of her marrying Prince Jitendra Narayan due to differences in caste religion and social status. Jitendra was the second son of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan and Maharani Suniti Devi of the princely state of Cooch Behar in West Bengal. Despite being sent to Europe to avoid scandal Indira remained steadfast in her decision. Eventually her parents reluctantly consented but refused to participate in the wedding. In August 1913 Indira and Jitendra married quietly in a registrar’s office in London. Indira Devi had a flair for luxury especially when it came to footwear. But her choice of shoes was far from ordinary—she had a penchant for Ferragamo. The Maharani once reportedly ordered over 100 pairs of shoes some adorned with rubies emeralds and diamonds from the renowned designer Salvatore Ferragamo. In his memoirs Ferragamo shared stories of her unique requests including shoes encrusted with pearls and another crafted from black velvet interwoven with diamonds. He even preserved her footprint in a wooden shoe displayed at the Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum in Florence making her the first Indian to be honored in this way. The museum also showcases the footprints of legendary fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren.