India, April 2 -- The clouds heavy with unshed rain gathered in the sky as two vans rolled forward carrying a group of literary enthusiasts, befittingly named, Bookworms Jalandhar. Having immersed themselves in the glossy pages of a coffee table book titled, Prince, Patron and Patriarch, the book lovers had uncovered a forgotten world, the kingdom of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh that had once thrived in their very own neighbourhood, Kapurthala.

This journey was to begin with an exclusive visit to the enchanting Villa Buona Vista, that once served as a hunting lodge for the Maharaja, and till date is Kapurthala's best kept secret. The book club members, each with a discerning eye, could appreciate the exquisite furnishings and numerous artefac...