With the coming of Indian independence in 1947, the power of the Lucknow nobility dwindled, diminishing their patronage and leaving the chefs to fend for themselves.
The Kremlin will find it more difficult to impose its will on the country if its main source of patronage is diminished.
In any case, when it comes to the region's future, it is surely better for the agency's leaders to confront the wrath of the governors and other politicians than to stand by while the Port Authority withers into a pool of patronage and diminished competence.
Mr. Beck, the political science professor, argues that in some ways, "principles have become even more important" for activists these days, because the old incentives for engagement -- like patronage -- have diminished.
Hart stresses the contrast between the architect's fiercely adventurous aesthetic -- derided by the play-it-by-the-book Palladians who dominated English patronage during the diminished late phase of his career -- and his calm, unassuming personality.
Kings continued their patronage of Buddhism, but their wealth and power diminished.
In effect, Henderson's potential patronage — an important part of a commander's job — was diminished, and a protégé, if he had had one, would have had to wait longer for a battalion commander's spot.
After independence in 1947, the power and wealth of the royal courts quickly dissipated, the patronage system died out, and many formerly titled families, their fortunes much diminished, eventually turned their palaces and haveli mansions into hotels.
"With the demise of patronage," Edward Burke said, "the kind of political armies that used to be fielded have diminished".
"The present decision was arrived at in view of the currently diminished academy and the reduced public confidence in the academy," the body, founded by King Gustav III in 1786 and still under royal patronage, said in a statement.
