Bhopal, much like several princely states, was known for its fine hospitality. In the book ‘’A glimpse of an empire’’ by Jessica Douglas Home, there lies and excerpt of an experience of Lilah Wingfield a young Anglo-Irish lady who visited Bhopal on an Invitation from General Obaidullah Khan, my Great Grand Father. This visit dates back to 1911 and Lilah was completely overwhelmed by the hospitality extended to her by the General. In her words she described her stay in Bhopal as ‘’Living in a dream for a week”. Her experiences included riding on horse back exploring the countryside, driving in custom made Cadillacs, cruising on the Bhopal Lake in state-of-the-art speed boats, going on duck shoots and being invited to several elaborate meals, the most notable one was a thirteen-course meal at the General’s residence Jehan Numa. The Jehan Numa hospitality dates back more than a century, it has only taken shape into a hospitality brand in 1983 when my father and his brother decided to convert the Jehan Numa Palace into a hotel.