The royal families of India, while no longer politically relevant, still hold a fascination for the world with their extravagant lifestyles worth billions of dollars. These modern-day Maharajas may have lost their official titles, but they continue to influence India’s culture and make their mark on the global stage. Many of them have found their niche as hoteliers, politicians, philanthropists, and even athletes. However, their love for their rich heritage, lavish palaces, and opulent lifestyles remains a common thread among them. Let’s take a closer look at the lives of the last remaining royal families in India.
The Mewar Dynasty, once led by the great king Maharana Pratap, is one of the most prominent royal families in India. Today, the descendants of this dynasty reside in Udaipur, with His Royal Highness Arvind Singh Mewar as the 76th custodian of the house of Mewar. Arvind Singh, acting as the nominal monarch, resides with his wife in the magnificent Udaipur City Palace – a part of which is open to tourists. He has also leased some of his family’s iconic palaces to the famous Taj Group of Hotels. Arvind Singh is known for his museum of antique cars and his management of his father’s million-dollar crystal collection.
The Nawab of Pataudi is the most famous royal family in India today, largely due to its connection with Bollywood and the Indian cricket team. Saif Ali Khan, the legendary actor, is the son of the last emperor and currently serves as the Nawab of the kingdom. The royal family is known for their ancestral home, the Pataudi Palace, which is valued at over Rupees 800 crore.
The Royal Family of Jaipur, headed by the late His Highness Bhawani Singh, saw Maharaj Padmanabh become the Maharaja of Jaipur in 2011. Padmanabh is not only a fashion icon but also an international celebrity. He walked the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Men’s Fashion Week. Additionally, Padmanabh is a national-level polo player and advocates for increasing awareness of the sport. The royal family owns the magnificent Rambagh Palace, which is managed by the Taj Hotel Group.
The Wadiyar Dynasty, which once ruled the Kingdom of Mysore, has a history that dates back to the Yaduvanshi clan of Lord Krishna. Famous for a 400-year-old curse placed upon them, the royal family has struggled to have children. The current head of the dynasty is Yaduveer Krishnadutta Chamaraj Wadiyar, who became the heir to the throne after his predecessor died childless. Yaduveer married the Princess of Dungarpur in 2016 and is rumored to possess assets worth over Rupees 10,000 Crore.
The Bourbons of India are the most intriguing royal family, claiming a direct lineage to the defunct throne of the Kingdom of France. Balthazar Bourbon, head of the Indian royal family, allegedly descends from Jean Philippe de Bourbon, who served in Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court and was purportedly related to French king Henry IV. If these claims are true, Balthazar would be the rightful successor to the French throne.
Despite losing their political status, these last-remaining royal families in India continue to live a life of luxury and grandeur that captivates the imagination of people worldwide.