The Royal Family of Jodhpur has always held a special place in the history of Rajasthan. With a legacy rooted in courage, honor, and grandeur, the Jodhpur royals continue to fascinate people worldwide. Their majestic palaces, centuries-old traditions, priceless heirlooms, and modern achievements create the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary influence.
In this detailed article, you will discover who the royal family is, how they live today, the lavish properties they own, the rare family history behind their lineage, and why their legacy remains unforgettable in Indian culture.
The Royal Family of Jodhpur belongs to the Rathore clan of Rajputs, a lineage that traces its origins to the legendary sun god, Surya, and is counted among the most influential dynasties in Indian history. Their kingdom, known as Marwar (the Land of Death), was once one of the largest princely states in British India.
The Jodhpur Royal Family traces their ancestry back to the illustrious Suryavamsha or Solar Dynasty, claiming direct lineage from Lord Rama of the Hindu epic Ramayana and ultimately to Surya, the sun god. This celestial connection has earned them the title “Suryavanshi,” meaning family of the sun, a designation they hold with immense pride even today.
The Rathores’ documented history begins with Rao Siha, who arrived in Marwar around 1240 AD from Kannauj (in present-day Uttar Pradesh). Following the invasion of Kannauj by Mohammad Ghori in 1192 AD, which forced the ruling Rathores to flee, the clan underwent a period of migration through Gujarat before settling in Pali. Through strategic matrimonial alliances crafted by Rao Siyaji, the Rathores gradually expanded their influence across Marwar.
The pivotal moment in Jodhpur’s history came in 1453 when Rao Jodha, one of the most significant rulers of the dynasty, regained Marwar and founded the city of Jodhpur as a new capital, replacing the older Mandore. Rao Jodha’s military prowess and diplomatic acumen transformed Marwar into the most powerful kingdom in Rajputana by successfully annexing territories from the Delhi Sultanate. The imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 and still standing majestically on a 410-foot elevated hill, remains a testament to this glorious era.
Maharaja Sir Umaid Singh Bahadur (1903-1947), the 37th Rathore ruler and grandfather of the current Maharaja, stands as one of the most progressive and benevolent rulers in Jodhpur’s history. Born into a period of British colonial rule, Umaid Singh earned numerous honors, including the Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI), demonstrating his diplomatic importance during the Raj era.
During his 29-year reign from 1918 to 1947, Maharaja Umaid Singh implemented sweeping reforms that modernized Jodhpur State. He reorganized the Jodhpur State Forces and reformed the judicial department, introduced primary education schemes, revised land revenue systems, and established state pensions—innovations far ahead of his time. His most lasting legacy, however, is the breathtaking Umaid Bhawan Palace.
In the 1920s, Marwar was devastated by a three-year drought and severe famine. Local farmers, desperate for survival, approached Maharaja Umaid Singh for assistance. Rather than merely dispensing charity, the Maharaja conceived a visionary solution: he would construct a magnificent palace that would simultaneously provide employment to thousands of suffering farmers.
The foundation stone was laid on November 18, 1929, and construction continued until 1943—a 15-year undertaking that provided employment to between 2,000 to 3,000 workers continuously. The palace was constructed at a total cost of ₹94,51,565 (a substantial sum in that era), demonstrating the Maharaja’s commitment to both architectural grandeur and social responsibility.
Maharaja Umaid Singh commissioned renowned British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a contemporary of Edwin Lutyens who designed New Delhi’s government complex, to design the palace. Lanchester created a stunning synthesis of Western architectural technology and Indian design principles, featuring Art Deco styling blended with traditional Rajput architectural elements. The palace sprawls across 26 acres of landscaped gardens and comprises an astounding 347 rooms—making it one of the world’s largest private residences.
The palace’s original design included furniture crafted by the prestigious Maples of London, but tragically, the ship carrying these exquisite pieces sank en route to India. The royal family subsequently commissioned local artisans to recreate furniture in the required Art Deco style, a testament to their commitment to maintaining the palace’s aesthetic vision.
Maharaja Hanwant Singh (1923-1952) succeeded his father Umaid Singh in 1947, just as India gained independence. At a mere 24 years old, Hanwant Singh became the last absolute ruler of Jodhpur—a title held for only five years before the process of derecognition began.
Known for his passionate involvement in political affairs and reportedly sustained by his ambitious energy (and rumors of daily doses of stimulants), Hanwant Singh was a man of contradictions: a royal who championed democratic principles. Following India’s independence, he formed his own political party, the Akhil Bhartiya Ramrajya Parishad, and campaigned vigorously in the 1952 Indian general elections and Rajasthan state assembly elections. Early predictions suggested he would win an overwhelming majority in his region.
Tragically, on January 26, 1952—coincidentally India’s Republic Day—Maharaja Hanwant Singh and his second wife, Muslim actress Zubeida (who had converted to Hinduism as Vidya Rani), were killed in a plane crash near Sumerpur while traveling to Udaipur to campaign. The aircraft, a Beechcraft Bonanza single-engine plane, collided with power cables while flying dangerously low over a dry riverbed. Hanwant Singh was just 28 years old, and with him perished not only a dynamic ruler but also the promise of the Rathore dynasty’s political future. Ironically, his party won a landslide victory with 31 of 35 seats—a triumph he would never witness.
The current titular head of the Jodhpur Royal Family is Maharaja Gaj Singh II (lovingly known as ‘Bapji’). His life and that of his children perfectly encapsulate the modern-day royal lifestyle—a demanding balance of preserving heritage, running sophisticated businesses, and engaging in philanthropy.
The current titular head of the Jodhpur Royal Family is Maharaja Gaj Singh II, known affectionately as “Bapji” (meaning father). Born on January 13, 1948, to Maharaja Hanwant Singh and his first wife, Princess Krishna Kumari of Dhrangadhra, Gaj Singh ascended to the throne at just four years old following his father’s tragic death in 1952. During his minority, his mother served as regent and provided him with a stable upbringing despite the family’s loss.
Unlike previous generations confined to India, Gaj Singh received a distinctly international education. At age eight in 1956, he was enrolled at Cothill House, a prestigious preparatory school in Oxfordshire, England. He subsequently attended Eton College and then Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated in 1970 with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics—an education that would prove invaluable in navigating the complex transition from princely ruler to business entrepreneur.
In 1971, following the 26th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, the Indian government abolished the recognition of royal titles, privileges, and the privy purse payments that had been guaranteed through the Instrument of Accession. This constitutional change stripped the Maharaja of the government annuities that had sustained royal families since independence—a significant financial shock that forced the Jodhpur family to reimagine their economic survival.
Upon returning to Jodhpur in 1970 from his Oxford education, Gaj Singh married Hemlata Rajye (born May 2, 1951) on February 19, 1973, in Dehradun. Hemlata is the eldest daughter of Shiv Rattan Dev Singh, Raja of Poonch, a major feudatory state of Kashmir. Notably, she is the granddaughter of Tribhuvan, the King of Nepal, making her union with Gaj Singh a joining of two significant Himalayan royal houses. This strategic marriage strengthened the Jodhpur family’s connections within India’s royal network.
Gaj Singh and Hemlata have two children: Shivranjani Rajye and Shivraj Singh, who represent different approaches to carrying forward the family’s legacy.
Born on September 30, 1975, Yuvraj Shivraj Singh represents the new generation of Jodhpur royalty. Educated at Eton College and Oxford Brookes University, he brings both traditional royal sensibilities and contemporary business acumen to the family enterprises. He also attended Mayo College in Ajmer, one of India’s premier educational institutions.
Shivraj Singh is renowned as an accomplished polo player of international caliber. He has competed across the globe—England, Europe, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Switzerland, and Singapore—raising the profile of Indian polo on the world stage. The Yuvraj played a pivotal role in reviving Jodhpur Polo, transforming it into India’s premier polo destination.
In 2005, Shivraj Singh sustained critical brain damage in a serious polo accident in Jaipur. Though he survived and recovered, the incident profoundly impacted his father, Maharaja Gaj Singh II, who subsequently launched the Indian Head Injury Foundation to address the critical issue of traumatic brain injuries in India—a cause affecting an estimated 1.5 million people annually.
Princess Shivranjani Rajye, born in 1974, has emerged as the true architect of the Jodhpur Royal Family’s modern success story. Raised in the West Indies during her father’s tenure as High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Shivranjani returned to India at age six. She pursued higher education at the prestigious Cambridge University, where she studied anthropology, and subsequently completed a filmmaking course in New York—an educational background that blends cultural studies with creative expression.
Following her brother Shivraj’s accident in 2005, Shivranjani stepped into a leadership vacuum and assumed complete management of the royal family’s vast business operations. Today, she serves as the curator and manager of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, oversees the Mehrangarh Fort restoration and museum operations, and manages multiple heritage hotels including the Bal Samand Palace Resort and Sardar Samand Palace Resort.
A Modern Princess’s Unconventional Choice
At age 50, Shivranjani Rajye remains unmarried—a deliberate and unusual choice for Indian royalty. She has consistently prioritized her family business and cultural mission over matrimony, stating that she is “fully focused on expanding the family business and taking forward Jodhpur’s legacy.” Her commitment to remaining single reflects her determination to dedicate her life entirely to preserving and advancing the family’s heritage and business interests.
Today, Umaid Bhawan Palace stands as the principal residence of the Jodhpur Royal Family, though Maharaja Gaj Singh II and his family occupy only a portion of the sprawling complex. The palace has been ingeniously divided into three functional sections, allowing the family to preserve their heritage while generating substantial income.
1. The Royal Residence: The family continues to live in their private quarters within the palace, maintaining the residential sanctity and privacy essential to their daily life.
2. The Taj Luxury Hotel: Approximately half of the palace has been converted into the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, a luxury hospitality venture managed by the prestigious Taj Group of Hotels. The hotel portion features beautifully appointed suites categorized as Maharani Suites, Maharaja Suites, Royal Suites, Regal Suites, and Deluxe Rooms—all maintaining the palace’s Art Deco styling and royal ambience. Room rates typically range from ₹35,000 per night, positioning it among India’s most exclusive accommodations. The hotel has earned recognition as one of the world’s best luxury hotels and has become a preferred destination for high-profile weddings and international celebrities.
3. The Private Museum: A dedicated museum section showcases the family’s extraordinary collections and the palace’s fascinating history, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into royal life.
The museum within Umaid Bhawan Palace houses an impressive array of collections that chronicle the royal family’s lifestyle and achievements:
Vintage Car Collection: Among the palace’s most celebrated exhibits are rare and beautifully preserved vintage automobiles, including a 1939 Cadillac Series 75, a 1946 V12 Lincoln Continental, a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, and a custom-made 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom—each vehicle a testament to the family’s appreciation for automotive excellence and luxury.
Weapon and Trophy Collection: Elaborate displays of swords, shields, firearms, and pistols from the medieval period showcase the martial heritage of the Rathore warriors. The trophy room features a unique collection including an elephant feet stool, tiger skin cushions, and wild boar tusks from royal hunts.
Cutlery and Dining Collections: Exquisite porcelain wares, glass items, plates, wine glasses, and serving utensils reflect the royal family’s refined taste and cosmopolitan dining traditions.
Textile and Garment Collections: Fine embroidered shawls, turbans, and royal garments display the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Indian textile artisans.
Antique Clock Collection: An extensive gallery displays ornamental and antique timepieces from around the world, reflecting the Maharaja’s passion for horological treasures.
Artwork and Paintings: Photographs, miniature paintings, and murals depicting mythological scenes and important events in the family’s history adorn the museum walls.
Furniture and Art Deco Displays: The Lifestyle Gallery recreates the palace life of the 1940s and 1950s with authentic Art Deco furniture, dining sets, and sporting memorabilia.
Beyond the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Jodhpur Royal Family owns and manages several significant heritage properties that generate substantial income:
The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, stands as one of the largest forts in India. Perched atop a 410-foot hill, its massive sandstone walls, intricately carved lattices, and regal halls create an imposing silhouette visible across Jodhpur. The fort has achieved international fame, appearing in Hollywood productions including The Lion King and The Dark Knight Rises, as well as in Bollywood films. The royal family has carefully preserved and curated the Mehrangarh Museum within the fort, displaying the Rathore dynasty’s extensive heritage collections and attracting substantial tourism revenue.
The family operates multiple heritage properties converted into luxury hotels, including the Sardar Samand Palace and Bal Samand Palace, both offering authentic royal experiences in carefully preserved palace settings. These properties blend historical authenticity with modern luxury amenities, providing guests with an immersive glimpse into princely India.
The ornate Jaswant Thada, built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh as a marble cenotaph in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, continues to serve as the cremation grounds for the Marwar royal family. This architectural gem showcases the family’s appreciation for monumental artistry and remains an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Rathore dynasty.
Maharaja Gaj Singh II is known to be an accomplished amateur cook with a passionate interest in both traditional Rajasthani cuisine and modern European cooking techniques. He experiments regularly in the Umaid Bhawan Palace kitchens, creating fusion dishes that combine classical Indian flavors with contemporary culinary methods. The Maharaja meticulously plans menus for his frequent entertaining, ensuring that guests experience authentic Marwari and Rajput cuisines, often featuring game dishes prepared according to traditional recipes inherited from centuries of royal hunting traditions.
The Jodhpur Royal Family maintains a storied connection to polo, once called the “Sport of Kings.” The family’s involvement in polo extends beyond mere participation to active tournament management and promotion. Jodhpur distinguishes itself from other Indian cities through the direct involvement of the royal family in polo tournament management and sponsorship. The Jodhpur Polo & Equestrian Institute operates two grassy fields with a 40-horse capacity and multiple paddocks, hosting various polo tournaments throughout the season.
Yuvraj Shivraj Singh, the heir apparent, is himself an accomplished polo player known throughout India for his sporting prowess. Before his tragic 2005 polo accident (during which he fell from his horse and remained in a coma for several months), Shivraj was considered one of India’s finest players and was instrumental in training the Jodhpur polo team.
Beyond business pursuits, Maharaja Gaj Singh II serves as the founder and managing trustee of numerous philanthropic institutions and charitable trusts in Jodhpur. These organizations span education, religion, women’s welfare, medical care, rehabilitation of military personnel, desert development, famine relief, nature conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. During his tenure as Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Gaj Singh represented Indian interests diplomatically, bringing international exposure to the family.
The Jodhpur Royal Family’s estimated net worth of approximately ₹22,400 crores makes them the wealthiest royal family in India, surpassing even the historically powerful royal families of Jaipur and Baroda. This substantial wealth derives from multiple income streams:
Hospitality and Tourism: The luxury hotel operations at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Sardar Samand Palace, and Bal Samand Palace generate significant revenue, particularly from high-end tourists, international visitors, and destination weddings.
Museum and Heritage Tourism: Entry fees, guided tours, and museum visits to Umaid Bhawan, Mehrangarh Fort, and other heritage sites contribute consistently to family income.
Real Estate Holdings: Extensive land and property holdings across Jodhpur and Rajasthan provide additional revenue through leasing and strategic development.
Event Management: The royal palaces have become premier wedding and corporate event venues, commanding premium rates for their iconic settings.
Cultural and Charitable Trusts: While primarily philanthropic, these institutions occasionally generate income through grants and donations.
The family’s business model demonstrates remarkable adaptability—rather than disappearing into history following the abolition of princely states, the Jodhpur royals transformed their inherited wealth and properties into a thriving modern business enterprise while simultaneously preserving India’s cultural heritage.
What distinguishes the Jodhpur Royal Family from many other former princely states is their successful balance between tradition and innovation. While rigorously maintaining the architectural integrity and historical authenticity of their palaces and forts, they have simultaneously embraced modern hospitality standards, digital marketing, and contemporary business practices.
Princess Shivranjani’s leadership has been particularly instrumental in this transformation. Under her stewardship, the family has carefully curated museum collections to tell compelling stories of royal life, invested in heritage restoration using modern conservation techniques, and positioned Jodhpur as a premier destination for cultural tourism.
While the public image of the Jodhpur Royals is one of grace and grandeur, their history, like that of many great houses, is interwoven with dramatic events, political intrigue, and even local legends of curses.
One of the most famous and tragic incidents in their recent history is the untimely death of Maharaja Hanwant Singh in a plane crash in 1952.
A Political Tryst: The Maharaja, a popular figure who fought his first general election as an independent candidate, was campaigning for a decisive win. On the day the results were being counted, his private plane crashed, killing him instantly.
The Companion: He was accompanied by his rumored second wife and popular cine star of the era, Zubeidaa, making the tragedy a sensational scandal across the country and a mystery that has lingered in popular culture for decades.
A less-known but widely whispered tale in Jodhpur is the alleged curse that looms over the royal male line.
The Saint’s Prophecy: Local folklore attributes the building of the Umaid Bhawan Palace to a curse by a local saint or hermit, who was displaced from the Chittar Hill to build the fort. The curse foretold that after the righteous rule of a specific Maharaja, the Rathore dynasty would suffer a period of drought and misfortune, forcing them to build a palace for famine relief.
A Pattern of Tragedy: The alleged curse is often connected in local lore to a pattern of premature deaths of ruling Maharajas, with one common version suggesting a grandfather would not live to see his grandchildren (or the children would not thrive). While largely dismissed as superstition, the chain of tragic events, including Hanwant Singh’s death and the near-fatal polo accident of the current Crown Prince, is sometimes cited by locals as eerie “proof” of the dark past.
The family, however, has consistently chosen to focus on their positive legacy—their dedication to education, philanthropy, and the world-class preservation of their magnificent heritage.
Meeting the Royal Family of Jodhpur is like stepping into a story filled with courage, luxury, culture, and ancient legacy. From the towering Mehrangarh Fort to the dreamy Umaid Bhawan Palace, the spirit of Marwar lives through the royal family’s heritage and their active role in modern society.
Their lifestyle is a blend of royal tradition and contemporary elegance.
Their properties are among the most breathtaking architectural wonders in India.
Their family history is filled with rare stories, mysteries, and unforgettable moments.
Even today, the royal family remains a symbol of pride—not just for Jodhpur, but for the entire heritage of Rajasthan.
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