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When India became independent, the sun set on the realms of maharajas, rajas, badshahs and sultans across the land.

They lost their power and splendour the day the new India awoke.

Today, 59 years later, all that remains is the grandeur of a glorious past.

From time to time our former royalty takes the opportunity of giving the world glimpses of this easily forgotten royal past.

The arms and armour collection from the Asaf Jahi dynasty (1724-1949 AD), which once colourfully ruled the enormous state of Hyderabad, was inaugurated October 8 at the Chowmulla Palace in Hyderabad.

Princess Esra, first wife of the eighth Nizam, Prince Mukhram Jah, inaugurated the exhibition, which was curated by Karni Singh Jasol, curator of the museum at the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

The armoury of the Asaf Jahi dynasty encapsulates the history of Hyderabad-Deccan and is one of the finest collections of Deccani weapons on display ever.

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Text: Rupali Nimkar | Photograph: Noah Seelam/AFP/Getty Images