The Enigma of Rolls Royce Collectors in India: A Historical Overview

If you thought owning a Rolls Royce was a status symbol with a few high-profile collectors, think again! From royalty to spiritual gurus, the history of Rolls Royce ownership in India is rich and fascinating. In this article, we delve into the past to uncover who truly owned the most Rolls Royce cars in India and explore the intriguing stories behind these luxury vehicles.

Rolls Royce Ownership in Indian History

Rolls Royce, synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, has a captivating history in India, particularly in the realms of royalty and spirituality. The allure of these magnificent vehicles extends far beyond the luxurious features they offer, as tales of ownership and usage date back to the British Raj and continue through the modern era.

Earliest Rolls Royces in India

During the British Raj, the ownership of Rolls Royce cars in India was heavily dominated by the royalty of the princely states. One of the most legendary figures in this era is Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, who was reputed to own an impressive fleet of 44 Rolls Royces in the 1930s. While this number cannot be conclusively verified, it paints a picture of the grandeur and opulence associated with the era.

The Nizam of Hyderabad

Another enigmatic figure who owned a significant number of Rolls Royces was the Nizam of Hyderabad. According to anecdotal accounts, he reportedly had a fleet of 50 Rolls Royces prior to Indian Independence. While these accounts may not be entirely verified, they underscore the penchant for luxury that characterized the independent princely states.

Spiritual Guru Osho Rajneesh

In a stark contrast to the traditional figures of royalty, a spiritual guru also played a significant role in the ownership and usage of Rolls Royce cars. Osho Rajneesh, the renowned spiritual guru, owned an astonishing 93 Rolls Royces in the 1980s. However, it is worth noting that these cars were not in India but at his ashram in the USA. The story is further made fascinating because Rolls Royce engineers would travel to his private service center in Oregon to maintain these luxurious vehicles in their prime.

After the Cult

Interestingly, when Osho Rajneesh's cult began to dissolve in the mid-1980s, the majority of these Rolls Royces were sold off. This sale not only marked the end of a unique period of Rolls Royce ownership in the USA but also provided a new chapter for these iconic vehicles.

Conclusion

The history of Rolls Royce ownership in India is as diverse as it is intriguing. From the opulent collections of Indian royalty to the eclectic ownership of a spiritual guru, these tales encapsulate the spirit of luxury and the pursuit of grandeur that defined different eras. Whether it's the legacy of the British Raj or the unique story of Osho Rajneesh, the journey of Rolls Royces in India continues to captivate our imagination.

These stories offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich automotive history of India and provide a reminder of how luxury and status are often shaped by the unique characters and eras that define a country's past.