India boasts some of the world’s most distinguished and mysterious royal families. In addition to our ancient and vibrant culture, exquisite arts, textiles, spices, and heritage, India is renowned for its opulence and affluence. Our historical narratives overflow with tales of royal conquests, architectural marvels, and lavishness. Although official reigns of kings and royal families ceased in India after the government abolished princely titles in 1971, traces of their legacy endure. Even today, a handful of Indian royal families continue to embrace a lifestyle steeped in heritage and luxury.
The Mewar Dynasty
The Mewar dynasty stands as one of India’s oldest and most significant royal bloodlines, tracing its roots back to ancestral figures like Maharana Pratap. Today, descendants of this esteemed lineage continue to call Udaipur home. Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th Custodian of the dynasty, leads this family legacy. Notably, he presides over the HRH Group of Hotels, which holds the distinction of being a sole chain of heritage palace-hotels and resorts under private ownership.
Wadiyar Dynasty
The Wadiyars rank among the wealthiest descendants of a royal lineage in India. Following the passing of Srikantadatta Wadiyar in 2013, the Rajmata adopted Yaduveer Krishnadutta Chamaraj Wadiyar as their son and bestowed upon him the royal title. Srikantadatta was Yaduveer’s uncle. As per Scoopwhoop, with an estimated wealth of Rs 10,000 crores, Yaduveer and his family reside in the Mysore Palace. Additionally, they are the proprietors of The Royal Silk of Mysore, a renowned silk brand.
Nawab of Pataudi
The late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, father of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, served as the final nominal ruler of the Pataudi kingdom. He married actress Sharmila Tagore, and they raised three children together. Saif Ali Khan now carries the title of Nawab of Pataudi. However, unlike his predecessors, he did not inherit the palace from his father. Instead, he had to purchase it from the Neemrana group of hotels, with whom his father had previously arranged a 17-year lease.
The Royal Family of Jaipur
Maharaja Bhawani Singh held the position of the final titular ruler of Jaipur. Despite not having a biological son, he chose to adopt the son of his daughter, Diya Kumari. In 2011, he formally bestowed the title of Maharaja of Jaipur to Padmanabh Singh, his adopted son.
The Royal Family of Jodhpur
The descendants of the Rathore family, former rulers of Jodhpur, including Maharaja Gaj Singh and his family, reside in the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace. This palace holds the esteemed distinction of being one of the largest private residences globally. While a portion of the palace is accessible to tourists, the remainder is overseen by the Taj Group of Hotels, operating in partnership with the family. Additionally, the Royal Family of Jodhpur also possesses ownership of the iconic Mehrangarh Fort. Maharaja Gaj Singh, known for his contributions, founded the esteemed Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girl’s Public School, recognized as one of India’s premier educational institutions.
Gaekwad Dynasty
Hailing from the Gaekward lineage, the former rulers of Baroda, Maharaja Samarjitsingh Rao Gaekward and his family make their home at the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. Maharaja Samarjitsingh is renowned not only for his royal heritage but also for his prowess in cricket, having represented his state in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. According to reports by Scoopwhoop, his inheritance encompasses property valued at over Rs 20,000 crores.
The Royal Family of Bikaner
Princess Rajyashree Kumari, daughter of Maharaja Karni Singh and Maharani Sushila Kumari, is the current proprietor of the esteemed Lallgarh Palace in Bikaner. Utilizing her heritage, she has transformed a section of the palace into a splendid heritage hotel.
