This Indian was the first to marry a foreign woman; later was denied his homeland even after his death; he was…

Some love stories last forever, etched in history and hearts, like Romeo and Juliet, Heer and Ranjha, and Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. Their timeless love continues to inspire generations, proving that true love never fades, no matter the distance, time, or era. Speaking of the same, read the story of Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman, the king who gave up his throne for the woman he loved.

Raja Tondaiman was crowned king at the young age of 11. As he was still a minor, the regency was managed by the Diwan, A. Seshayya Sastri. It wasn’t until 1894 that Raja Tondaiman was officially granted full powers by Lord Wenlock, the Governor of Madras.

This Indian was the first to marry a foreign woman; later was denied his homeland even after his death; he was…

In March 1915, Raja Tondaiman arrived in Australia and checked into the Hotel Majestic Mansions, where he encountered the Australian socialite Esme Mary Sorrett Fink, better known as Molly Pink. Described as a golden-haired beauty with blue eyes, an oval, ivory complexion, and pouting pomegranate lips, Molly Pink captivated everyone with her charm and character. “A golden-haired society beauty, with blue eyes, an ‘oval, ivory-skinned face’ and ‘pouting pomegranate lips’, she had charm and character. On a visit to Sydney in April 1915 she met Marthanda Bhairava Tondiman (b.1875), rajah of the southern India principality of Pudukota, who followed her from the Australia Hotel to the Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains where their love affair blossomed,” as noted by Edward Duyker and Coralie Younger in an article published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 14, in 1996.

After their marriage on August 10 of that year at the office of the government statist in Melbourne, Raja Tondaiman and Molly Pink faced ongoing hostility from the Australian press. The Indian government, with the approval of King George V, declined to recognize their marriage or grant Molly the title of ‘Her Highness.’ They also advised that her interactions with British officials in both India and Australia be kept as private as possible.

After their honeymoon in the United States, Molly joined her husband in his principality later in 1915, where she was warmly welcomed by his subjects. However, her time in Pudukota was short-lived, lasting only five months. The British government’s disapproval of their marriage made her position increasingly difficult. Matters took a darker turn when an attempt was made to poison her with oleander leaves upon the discovery of her pregnancy. Suspecting the palace’s involvement, the Raja moved Molly to Ootacamund. When they were denied permission to purchase a house there, the couple left India on April 16, 1916. Molly never returned.

In Sydney, they rented St. Mervyns, a waterfront mansion in Double Bay. On July 22, Molly gave birth to a son, Marthanda Sydney. Living in self-imposed exile, the Raja became well-known in Melbourne and Sydney’s racing circles. His horse, King Mostyn, won over £1000 in prize money, while Old Mungindi secured the Grand National Steeplechase in July 1917.

“By the end of 1920 it was clear that the British government would not acknowledge their son as the heir to the principality. The rajah accepted a regency, in return for substantial financial ‘compensation’ and annual allowances for himself and Molly,” wrote Edward Duyker and Coralie Younger in an article published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 14, in 1996.

Earlier on May 28, 1928, the rajah died suddenly and was cremated with Hindu rites in London, after Molly and her son were refused permission to fly his remains to India.

She became estranged from her son after his imprisonment in 1945 for stealing jewelry. In 1967, she donated her luxurious wardrobe, featuring gowns by renowned designers like Callot Soeurs, Paquin, Patou, Vionnet, Schiaparelli, and Chanel, to the Museum of Costume in Bath, England. Molly passed away from cancer on November 20, 1967, in Cannes. Her ashes were laid to rest alongside the Raja’s at Golders Green Crematorium in London.