This news article set me thinking do Kings have any role to play in S Asia.
Tehri gets a new Maharaja
By IE
Monday April 16, 02:54 AM
After 60 long years, the people of Garhwal will once again witness the "coronation" of a Maharaja.
Manujendra Shah, son of of the last Maharaja of the erstwhile Tehri state, Manvendra Shah, will be anointed in a religious ceremony at the Narendranagar palace on Monday. Badri Prasad Namboodri, head priest of the famous Badrinath temple, will perform the 'Raj Tilak'.
Following Manvendra's death in January, the appointment of a new Maharaja became necessary as tradition dictates that the announcement of the annual opening of the 'kapats' or doors of the Badrinath shrine can only be made by the Maharaja of Tehri.