CHICAGO – India's rulers move into the spotlight at The Field Museum exhibit, "Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts."

Golden and opulent, more than 200 objects are on display from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. They include a throne, Indian turban jewels, an elephant's howday – or carriage – and sparkling weapons. These are the belongings of the privileged maharajas.

Having both religious and secular influence, the very act of seeing a "great king" gave blessings to those who witnessed his power during darshan. This required a richly-dressed maharaja to ride a decorated horse or elephant in a procession. He was accompanied by attendants carrying the symbols of his authority, such as staves, fans and a parasol.