New Delhi, Jan. 10 -- In April 1937, the junior maharani of Alwar decided to "go joy riding in an aeroplane." It was not an easy proposition. As Rajput royalty, she could not be exposed to anyone outside a small family circle, necessitating special arrangements. A senior state official inspected the six-seater plane to be "perfectly certain" it was purdah-compliant, later deputing his wife to reconfirm. A barrier was raised to ensure the pilot was "completely cut off from the rest of the cabin", and "curtains of the plane's windows were drawn until they reached a safe altitude". In any case, to be extra sure, the only spectators allowed near the airstrip were the maharani's retainers. It was all for naught, though, for the event triggered...