Queen Jahanara of Palanpur

Early life and education Joan Falkiner was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1917, the daughter of Leigh Sadleir Falkiner and his wife Beatrice Lyle (née Young). The Falkiners were stud merino sheep breeders in country Victoria and New South Wales, and by the early 20th-century had established themselves as wealthy members of Melbourne society. Her uncles Franc and Norman Falkiner were members of parliament. Joan's father was a director of the family company and she was a childhood friend of Jo Gullett.

In 1939, Joan eloped, and traveled to India to marry Taley. The departure of the 21 year old heiress caused a stir and much speculation in Melbourne high society. She converted to Islam and was married in an Islamic ceremony. Though recognised by as such by Taley, she was denied the title of Begum by the British Raj, which disapproved of marriages between Anglo women and Indian rulers; Joan was also not invited by the British to appear beside her husband during public functions.

In 1947, the Indian Independence movement successfully resulted in India becoming independent from the shrinking British Empire; this development meant the end of the British Raj. On the night of 14 August 1947, the last Viceroy of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten, decided to confer a title of nobility on Joan, allowing her to claim the title of 'Her Highness' in British eyes. However, Indian independence also led to the dissolution of the Palanpur State.

Later life Joan and Taley lived together until he died of cancer in 1957. Joan settled in Southern France after her husband's death. She died in 2003.