The Air India's mascot was something I liked as a child. I didn't knew much about Air India or Aero planes. But there was a sticker at a home cabinet (which now in the attic) and I used to see this various places.
[Maharaja as a 30+ decade old sticker on a old cabinet]
Later when we started traveling via flights, honestly I was not impressed by the brand Air India and the Maharaja was not around much.
In 2021, the original owners of the Air India, TATAs bought the ailing airlines back from the Government of India & that has triggered positive vibes. Its treated more of a cultural event as opposed to just another business deal by many media outlets.
A recent article by Condé Nast Traveller had many old stories about the Maharaja. It was interesting to learn that he was even created discussions in the Indian Parliament.
With all this background finding the mascot abandoned on a building top against the setting sun was a peculiar incident. I couldn't capture the setting sun and behind the Maharaja, but here is what I got:
