Stories of 5 Indian Royal Families that Still Live in Royal Palaces and Power

Kazi Nasir | Dec 12, 2025, 09:00 IST

Living Lineage of Kings

Even though Article 18 of the Indian Constitution abolished royal titles to establish equality, India’s former princely states continue to live on through their architecture, culture and the descendants who preserve these legacies. Across Rajasthan’s deserts, Kerala’s palaces and the Deccan plateau, royal families still safeguard centuries of heritage, from grand palaces to priceless art and living traditions.

Article 18 of the Indian Constitution enshrined the abolition of royal titles to promote a sense of equality among its citizens. Yet throughout the deserts of Rajasthan, Kerala's coconut palaces and the Deccan plateau still preserve remnants of great princely houses, where still live descendants of past mighty kingdoms. As of today, they don't command armies but they have become a symbol of civilisations' mesmerising architecture, invaluable art and memory of the past. This article brings stories of 5 Indian royal families - Gwalior, Mewar, Baroda, Mysore and Jaipur.

1. Gwalior

Palaces of the Past

Scindians ruled Gwalior from 1731 and its final rular was Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia, who commissioned to make of Jai Vilas Palace in European design. So the architecture is blended with Maratha and Italianate, Tuscan and Corinthian heritages.

The present head of the family is Jyotiraditya Scindia who is also a Union Cabinet minister.

2. Mewar - 1400 Years

Among the world's oldest surviving dynasties, the House of Mewar remains one. Its history goes back 1,400 years to the legend of Bappa Rawal. Maharana Udai Sing II created Udaipur's City Palace during the 1550s. Maharana Pratap also descended of this family. Arvind Sing Mewar, in the modern times turned the palace into a vast cutural and hospitality enterprise.

3. Baroda

In 1890, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace was built by the Gaekwads. As of now, it is regarded as the largest private dwelling in the country. It is four times larger than Buckingham Palace. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was its patron, a moderniser who introduced free primary education, railways, and reforms for women. Currently, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad is living in Lakshmi Vilas with his wife Radhikaraje.

4. Mysore

Old Heritages of Architecture

Image credit : Freepik

The famous Mysore Palace was built in the early 1900s. The Wadiyars made this palace of domes, marbles and stained glass. During Dasara, this palace turns into a glowing spectacle, where nearly one lakh bulbs luminate in every arch and balcony. The present head of the family is Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar with his wife Trishikha Kumari Wadiyar, represents the royal protocol and modern leadership.

5. Jaipur

In the 1720s, Jaipur's City Palace was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh II. As of now, it is a part museum, part ceremonial residence and part economic engine. The royal family continues in three generations till today with Rajmata Padmini Devi, then her daughter Princess Diya Kumari, who is an MP of parliament and her son Sawai Padmanabh Singh, a polo champion, global fashion figure who is the young face of Jaipur's royal legacy.

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FAQs

Q1. Which king had 500 wives?

Ans: Moulay

Q2. Is any Mughal family still alive?

Ans: Yes

Q3. Is Saif Ali Khan descendant of Mughals?

Ans: Yes, Saif Ali Khan has connections to Mughal-era royalty through his maternal lineage