India's last real royals - in pictures

  • Five descendants of erstwhile tribal kings who once fought against British colonial rulers in India's Gujarat state become kings for a day. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    Five descendants of erstwhile tribal kings who once fought against British colonial rulers in India's Gujarat state become kings for a day. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • The 'kings' travel in a golden horse-drawn chariot, accompanied by a procession. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    The 'kings' travel in a golden horse-drawn chariot, accompanied by a procession. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • People watch as the procession makes its way through the streets of Dang, in Gujarat. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    People watch as the procession makes its way through the streets of Dang, in Gujarat. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • The reign of these 'monarchs' lasts only a single day each year. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    The reign of these 'monarchs' lasts only a single day each year. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • They represent the “kingdoms” of Pimpri, Linga, Daher, Gadhvi and Vasurna. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    They represent the “kingdoms” of Pimpri, Linga, Daher, Gadhvi and Vasurna. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • Every year, a week before Hindu festival of Holi, a five-day cultural extravaganza is organised at Ahwa. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    Every year, a week before Hindu festival of Holi, a five-day cultural extravaganza is organised at Ahwa. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • Drummers perform during the procession. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    Drummers perform during the procession. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • The 'kings' wear matching brand-new, crisp white outfits, complete with a turban. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    The 'kings' wear matching brand-new, crisp white outfits, complete with a turban. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • The men are brought to the district headquarters where they are groomed, given a haircut and gifted new clothes. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    The men are brought to the district headquarters where they are groomed, given a haircut and gifted new clothes. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • These kings live simple lives, with large families living in thatched houses and toiling in fields to make ends meet. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    These kings live simple lives, with large families living in thatched houses and toiling in fields to make ends meet. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • Officials during the ceremony to celebrate the 'kings'. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    Officials during the ceremony to celebrate the 'kings'. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • The government is planning to increase the pension amount, after years of demands from the one-time royals. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    The government is planning to increase the pension amount, after years of demands from the one-time royals. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
  • Delegates at this year's celebration. Photo: Divyesh Mahati
    Delegates at this year's celebration. Photo: Divyesh Mahati