Royal Families Of Rajasthan
Royal Families in India
1. The Mewar Royal Family – (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
The Mewar Royal Family is one of the oldest surviving dynasties. Their roots trace back to the 7th century under the Guhila dynasty and later the Sisodia dynasty.
The Mewar dynasty is famous for its fierce resistance against Mughal invasions, especially under Maharana Pratap, who is celebrated as a symbol of Rajput valour and independence.
Rana Sriji Arvind Singh Mewar was managing trustee of the Mewar family’s assets, overseeing the City Palace of Udaipur, which is run as a heritage museum and luxury hotel under the HRH Group of Hotels.
He, however, passed away in March 2025, and his son, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, was coronated as the new head of the Mewar family and is involved in continuing the heritage and cultural legacy at the palace.
Now the City Palace of Udaipur is managed by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF).
2. The Royal Family of Jaipur (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
The Jaipur Royal family is led by Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, who ascended the throne in 2011 as the 12th Maharajah of Jaipur and head of the Kachwaha Rajputs.
Padmanabh Singh is also the captain of the Jaipur Polo Team. He has been recognised as one of the most valuable polo players, accumulating nearly 100 titles in international polo tournaments.
This family continues to preserve and maintain its heritage while also adapting to contemporary India. They engage in charitable work, modern public roles and actively participate in social, cultural, and political activities.
Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur is pretty well-known today for her political work and her efforts to empower women.
Many palaces tied to Jaipur’s royals now run as heritage hotels, still offering that royal-style welcome. The Raj Palace in Jaipur, which was turned into a luxury hotel in 1996, stands out for its over-the-top luxury—gold accents, antique furniture, and massive chandeliers, reflecting how some royal families have managed to sustain their wealth today.
3. The Wadiyar Family (Mysore, Karnataka)
Through preservation and public involvement, the Wadiyar family has maintained their historic legacy as they have evolved from ruling monarchs to cultural guardians and social figures. From the fourteenth century until the middle of the twentieth century, they ruled the Kingdom of Mysore.
The current head of the Wadiyar family is Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar. Yaduveer is the 27th Maharaja of Mysore and was adopted by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar following the death of her husband, Maharaja Srikantadatta Wadiyar. He is descended from the Mysore kings.
He is currently actively involved in Indian politics and public service as a Member of Parliament for the Mysore constituency.
Their palace, also called Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas Palace, was rebuilt multiple times during the course of the five centuries. The palace is now incredibly well-known for its magnificence and for holding the Mysore Dasara festival, which preserves the royal customs.
4. The Rajkot Royal Family (Rajkot, Gujarat)
The Rajkot Royal Family belongs to the Jadeja Dynasty. Thakore Saheb Mandhatasinhji Manoharsinhji Jadeja currently heads this dynasty. He is the 17th titular king, and now he manages a chain of heritage hotels. He is also active in public and cultural affairs.
Their ancestral home, the Darbargadh Palace in Rajkot, still stands as a reminder of their royal roots. This palace is currently being converted into a Museum ready to welcome visitors by 2025.
This museum will showcase the rich 400-year-old history of the Rajkot princely state, featuring vintage cars, paintings, textiles, weapons, and even its connection to Mahatma Gandhi.
5. The Jodhpur Royal Family (Marwar/Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
The Jodhpur Royal Family belongs to the Rathore Dynasty. It is currently led by Gaj Singh II, who still reside in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This palace is divided into three parts: the family's private residence, a Taj-operated luxury hotel, and a museum showcasing royal artefacts, vintage cars, and heirlooms.
Together, Gaj Singh II and his children make sure the palace stays beautiful while managing its hotel operations.
The family also take an active role in festivals such as Marwar, keeping Rajput pride and local culture alive at the fort and palace.
There’s always something happening in Jodhpur from cultural programs, design workshops, and celebrations that show off its royal charm.
6. The Gaekwad Family (Baroda, Gujarat)
The Gaekwad dynasty ruled Baroda from 1721 to 1947, spanning 226 years. This dynasty is known for its forward-thinking reforms, especially under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who pushed to modernise education, government, and industry.
The family now reside in Lakshmi Vilas Palace, which remains a symbol of their royal legacy. Did you know this palace is one of the largest private homes in the world? They were the former rulers of Baroda, and as of 2025, they continue to maintain their prestigious heritage and residences.
Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad and her family are working to preserve their heritage, participating in cultural projects and community work around Vadodara. The Gaekwads put real effort into protecting their history, especially with the renovation of the 90-year-old Kirti Mandir.
In the past, they had some legal disputes over their vast real estate and assets, but now the issues has been resolved.
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