On 5 November 2026, Consul General of India, Birmingham, Dr Venkatachalam Murugan, visited the magnificent Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton, a historic landmark reflecting the enduring cultural and historical connections between India and the United Kingdom.

The Manor has a fascinating historical association with the royal family of Cooch Behar, West Bengal. In 1912 and 1914, respectively, Lionel and Alan Mander, sons of the family who built Wightwick Manor, married Princess Prativa Devi and Princess Sudhira Devi, daughters of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan and Maharani Suniti Devi of Cooch Behar, Bengal.

The Manor offers a remarkable glimpse into India's artistic and cultural heritage. Its collection of exquisite Indian handicrafts, displayed across its interiors, including the staircases, reflects the influence of Indian craftsmanship and aesthetics within this historic English residence.

The visit provided an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable historical links between the royal families of India and the Mander family, and the cultural influences that continue to form an important part of Wightwick Manor's heritage.

Wightwick Manor stands as a testament to the shared history, cultural exchange and enduring friendship between India and the United Kingdom.