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Ronald Arthur Dalzell (Earl of Carnwath.), Loyal Rulers and Leaders of the East. A Record of Their Services in the Great War. With an Introduction by Field-Marshal Earl Haig, London: Zaehnsdorf Ltd, 1922

xv + 543 pages including photogravure frontispieces of King George V and Queen Mary, numerous photographic portraits of Indian rulers to the text throughout by Vandyk, Bassano, W. & D. Downey, F.A. Swaine, and others, the majority of them full-page, text printed throughout within gilt borders; publisher’s vivid blue cloth, title gilt to the spine with an elaborate "oriental window" panel, concentric panels gilt on both boards, a large central scrolled floral lozenge with similar corner pieces to the inner panel, and a red ground on the front board; all edges gilt, housed in a customised solander box with gilt text at the spine
30.5 x 25 x 5 cm
31.8 x 28 x 6 cm (with solander box)

This handsomely produced first and only edition of a tribute to the wartime contributions of the monarchs of South Asia includes concise biographies of Ceylon.

In his introduction, Field Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde wrote, “The Indian Army during World War I contributed a number of divisions to the European, Mediterranean and the Middle East theatres of war in World War I. Ultimately, one million Indian troops served overseas, of whom 62,000 died and another 67,000 were wounded. The Indian Army fought against the German Empire in German East Africa and on the Western Front. At the First Battle of Ypres, Khudadad Khan became the first Indian to be awarded a Victoria Cross.” “By their active cooperation with the Allied Nations of the West in their epic struggle for liberty and justice, the Ruling Princes and leaders of the East have made their latest contribution to the advancement of humanity. They command the respect and admiration of the entire world by their capacity for devotion to the principles of true progress” (Earl of Carnwath). “The part played by Indian troops in the opening stages of the War in France, their gallant and courageous bearing in the face of strange conditions, an adverse climate, and great odds, are known in every corner of the British Empire. They accomplished splendid things and won high renown when there were few to uphold the banner of the King-Emperor.”

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