Archive · 16 Jun 2025
Indian Royal Families: Surviving and Thriving in Modern Times
Once, India had many royal families with big palaces and lots of wealth, but the government changed things in 1971.
Now, many of these families still exist.
Some, like the Mewar family, run hotels and museums.
The Wadiyars of Mysore are involved in silk and tourism.
The Gaekwads of Baroda manage a large estate.
The Jodhpur and Jaipur families work to keep their history alive, using their palaces and stories to attract visitors.
Several royal families in India have adapted and thrived after the abolition of privy purses in 1971.
The Mewar dynasty, with a 1,500-year lineage, manages heritage properties and a vintage car museum.
The Wadiyars of Mysore, with roots in Lord Krishna's lineage, are involved in silk production and tourism.
The Gaekwads of Baroda manage a vast estate and oversee a temple trust.
The Jodhpur and Jaipur royal families focus on preserving heritage through philanthropy and tourism.
- Who
- Royal families of Mewar, Mysore, Baroda, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, as well as the Pataudi family.
- What
- The survival and adaptation of several Indian royal families after the abolition of their privileges.
- When
- Since 1971, when the Indian government abolished privy purses.
- Where
- Across India, focusing on families in Udaipur, Mysore, Baroda, Jodhpur, and Jaipur.
- Why
- To highlight how they've adapted, evolved, and integrated tradition with modern business and society.
Traditionalists
Modernizers
Legacy vs. Modernity
Traditionalists
Emphasize the importance of maintaining historical traditions and upholding royal legacy.
Modernizers
Focus on adapting to the times, diversifying business interests, and embracing modern lifestyles.
- Mewar Dynasty
- Maintains a lineage of 1,500 years, manages heritage properties.
- Wadiyars of Mysore
- Controls Royal Silk of Mysore, owns the Mysore Palace.
- Gaekwads of Baroda
- Manage Laxmi Vilas Palace and over 2,000 acres of land.
- Jodhpur Royals
- Run Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School.
- Jaipur Royals
- Padmanabh Singh, the current royal, is a polo player and fashion figure, leases the Rambagh Palace to the Taj Group.