The Baggage of Legacy

MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER, MAHARAJA JAGATJIT SINGH OF Kapurthala, was a devoted Francophile—a connoisseur of French luxury whose refined tastes served as a quiet act of rebellion against British rule. He travelled in unmistakable style, with a personal collection of 54 bespoke trunks, each emblazoned with his name and royal insignia. These weren’t just suitcases—they were statements. Crafted to exacting specifications, the trunks held everything from swords and turbans to tailored suits and ceremonial dress, each meticulously numbered to avoid misplacement. Handcrafted in fine leather, they’ve been passed down through five generations. The suitcase I use most often dates back to 1950, and the hat box was custom-fitted to cradle a Sikh turban.

These pieces hark back to the golden age of travel—a time when the journey itself was an experience, a romance, a bridge between vastly different worlds. Back then, the elite travelled with large retinues which allowed them to maintain their luxurious lifestyle on expeditions that spanned weeks or months. Even on jungle safaris, royal families brought along an arsenal of handcrafted trunks, each designed to hold everything could possibly need for every occasion.

Today, travel is all about speed and convenience—but the charm of that slower, more elegant era still lingers in these heirlooms. I still bring them out when flying private—they’re far too precious to be tossed around in commercial baggage holds. These pieces demand special attention—and they get it. I use the suitcase and hatbox to carry my traditional attire and turban for formal occasions. This suitcase has never failed me—everything still works like it did decades ago. Once, during a trip to Romania, someone even tried to pry open the lock—and failed. That’s how solid it is.

My family’s relationship with Louis Vuitton began in the 1920s—and I’ve proudly continued that legacy. I still have suitcases made for me, though these days they include soft luggage and carry-ons. That bond also lives on in my son, Suryajit. What can I say? We seem to share a near-mythical connection with the maison. There’s a certain joy in travelling with beautifully crafted luggage—it elevates the journey before it even begins.

As told to SHASHI SUNNY

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