Before India’s independence, the country was home to numerous princely states, each ruled by kings and maharajas who led lives of great luxury. Stories of their marriages and romantic affairs often captured the public’s imagination. One such tale is about the Maharaja of Jind, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, who became infatuated with a Belgian nurse named Olive Monolescue. Maharaja Ranbir Singh showered Olive with expensive gifts and frequently met her. When Olive moved to Mumbai with her family and began working as a nurse, their bond deepened. However, Olive’s mother opposed the idea of marriage. Determined to marry Olive, the Maharaja reportedly bought her for Rs. 50,000—a substantial sum at the time.
This unusual love story was covered by The Tribune and explored in detail by Australian writer Carlita Younger in her book Wicked Woman of Raj.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh and his strange habits
As Maharaja Ranbir Singh grew older, he developed several eccentric habits. One of his peculiar routines was waking up late, and he insisted that the first thing he saw upon opening his eyes was his queens massaging his feet.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh was also deeply superstitious, always keeping his astrologer, Karan Chand, by his side for guidance. Additionally, the Maharaja had a strong passion for playing billiards and gambling, despite frequently losing large sums of money. His love for gambling was so intense that even constant losses couldn’t deter him from indulging in the activity.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Olive Monolescue’s love story
Maharaja Ranbir Singh first encountered Olive in Mussoorie, a popular hill station where India’s kings and maharajas often gathered for lavish parties. These events also attracted British officers and their wives. At one such party, Olive attended with her mother, Lizzie, where the Maharaja, despite already having two Sikh wives, Delma and Gurcharan Kaur, became enamored with Olive.
Captivated by her charm, he began meeting her regularly. When Olive moved to Mumbai, the Maharaja followed, showering her with expensive gifts and attention. Their relationship deepened, and he eventually proposed marriage, which Olive accepted.
However, their romance was short-lived. Olive became frustrated as the British government did not recognize her as a queen, excluding her from official ceremonies and events. This exclusion, combined with the Maharaja’s eventual loss of interest, led to a growing rift between them. In 1928, Olive divorced the Maharaja and moved to London with their daughter, Dorothy. Olive lived in London until the 1980s, where she spent the remainder of her life.
About Maharaja Ranbir Singh
Ranbir Singh was the third son of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir state. Born in August 1830 at Ramgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ranbir Singh ascended the throne in 1856 after his father’s abdication due to ill health. His reign marked a continuation of the legacy established by Gulab Singh, playing a key role in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
