Indian Princess's Royal Baptism in London

The British imperial expansion led to the deposition of Chikka Veerarajendra, the last Raja of Kodagu, in 1834. He was taken to Benaras as a political prisoner. In 1852, he journeyed to London with his 11-year-old daughter, Gouramma, to reclaim his wealth and secure her future. This marked the first instance of Indian royals visiting England.

Princess Gouramma was baptized in Queen Victoria's private chapel on June 30, 1852, with the Queen herself as godmother and renaming her Victoria Gouramma. She became the first Indian royal to adopt Christianity. Queen Victoria took the young princess under her care, ensuring her education and integration into Western society.

Queen Victoria attempted to arrange a marriage for Princess Victoria Gouramma with Maharaja Duleep Singh, another of her godchildren. However, the match did not materialize, and they became like siblings. Disillusioned, the princess found love with Colonel John Campbell, but their marriage deteriorated due to his gambling habits.

Princess Victoria Gouramma gave birth to her daughter, Edith, in 1861. Despite her royal lineage, she faced discrimination due to her skin color and was barred from seeing her father by Queen Victoria. The princess tragically succumbed to tuberculosis in 1864, shortly before her 23rd birthday. Her grave is now dilapidated in London's Brompton Cemetery.