Legend has it that Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, left Marwar on September 13, 1465 to create his own kingdom after he was provoked by a stray comment from his father, Rao Jodha. Rajyashree Kumari Bikaner, better qualified than most to examine the veracity of this interesting tale, doesn’t mention the comment in question. She simply, almost dutifully, records the prince’s battles instead — some against the people of Bilochis and Shekhawati, others against the elements.

King George the V with the honorary aide-de-de camp, Maharaja Ganga Singh, in London, 1919.