The last nizam decamped several decades later, after independence abolished the princely states and tax liens, and family feuds, embezzlement, and general ineptitude evaporated the fortune.

FORBES: Photograph: Andre Fanthome (RAAS)

Correspondents say that while most tiger hunting was carried out on elephant-back, some Indian maharajahs, or "great kings" of princely states took things to the extreme.

BBC: Indian tiger hunting Rolls Royce is for sale

Originally, like other princely states which joined India after the partition of the subcontinent, Kashmir ceded control of defence, communications and foreign affairs to Delhi, while keeping a tight hold on its domestic financial and legal affairs.

ECONOMIST: The forgotten Kashmiris