There are love stories that feel grand, and then there are love stories that live inside the walls of a palace so large that even Buckingham Palace looks modest in comparison. The tale of Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Vadodara belongs to this rare second category. It is a story woven through royal lineage, cricket, heritage, and an unexpected spark that began long before either realised how dramatically their lives would intertwine. For many Indians, royalty exists on the pages of history books, but the Gaekwad family of Baroda has remained deeply present in public memory. Their ancestral home, the Laxmi Vilas Palace, is not only a monument of extraordinary architecture but also the world’s largest private
residence. And it is here, inside a home valued at an astonishing Rs 24,000–25,000 crore (as per multiple reports), that Maharani Radhikaraje—daughter of an IAS officer—lives today. Her life, much like the palace itself, seems carved out of another era, yet remarkably rooted in the responsibilities and sensibilities of the modern world. This is the story of how an arranged match blossomed into an enduring, affectionate partnership; how a journalist from a royal-bureaucratic family married a cricketer who would later ascend the Baroda throne; and how together, they have shaped a contemporary version of royalty that feels both timeless and grounded.
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad: A Royal Couple Admired Across India
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad are often counted among India’s most admired royal couples—and not just because of the grandeur around them. What sets them apart is their effortless balance between tradition and modernity. Even after 23 years of marriage, their partnership remains warm, affectionate and rooted in mutual respect. Their appearances together—whether at heritage events, cultural initiatives, or family ceremonies—reflect a bond that feels lived-in and genuinely supportive. Many in Vadodara still speak fondly of how the couple makes an effort to attend community gatherings and interact with locals in the most unassuming manner.
From IAS Household to Royal Thrones: Radhikaraje’s Early Life
Radhikaraje was born into the royal family of Wankaner in Gujarat, a lineage known for its deep cultural and artistic roots. Yet her childhood was shaped just as much by public service, thanks to her father choosing a career in the Indian Administrative Service. Before she ever imagined becoming a Maharani, Radhikaraje carved her own identity. She earned her Master’s degree from Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and worked as a journalist. Those who knew her then often describe her as sharp, eloquent and fiercely independent—traits that continue to define her public personality today.
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad: A Marriage Arranged by Families, Strengthened by Love
The origins of their relationship are the sort of details that make royal stories irresistible. When Radhikaraje was 12, she briefly met Samarjitsinh’s sister—an early encounter neither could have guessed would lead to something more. Years later, when the families revisited the idea of a match, Samarjitsinh and Radhikaraje met again as adults. Something clicked instantly. Their marriage was arranged, but the affection and companionship that followed were entirely their own doing. Radhikaraje’s background in journalism and her independent streak deeply impressed Samarjitsinh, who, at the time, was still a sportsman with a celebrated Ranji Trophy career. Their shared respect for each other’s aspirations became the foundation of a beautifully steady marriage.
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad: Life Inside the World’s Largest Private Residence
Most people only see the Lakshmi Vilas Palace from the outside, marvelling at its sheer size. But for the Gaekwad family, it is home—albeit a home grander than almost any other private residence in the world. The palace stands across roughly 500–700 acres, depending on which part of the estate is measured. To put it simply, it is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Built in 1890 under Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III at a cost of about Rs 25 lakh (roughly £180,000 at the time, a massive sum then), the structure showcases Indo-European architecture on an unrivalled scale.
Some facts about the palace remain irresistible:
• It has over 170 rooms. • The estate includes a private museum, golf course, horse stables, and sprawling gardens. • Materials used range from Rajasthani marble and Agra bricks to Belgian stained glass. • A section of the complex is open to tourists and for banquets, giving the public a rare glimpse into living history. The palace’s estimated worth—around Rs 24,000 to Rs 25,000 crore—places it far above modern landmarks such as Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia, reported at around Rs 15,000 crore.
The Modern Maharani: Radhikaraje’s Role Today
Despite the extraordinary wealth around her, Radhikaraje Gaekwad is consistently described as approachable, thoughtful and deeply involved in social causes. She has become one of India’s leading voices in heritage conservation, working on preserving textiles, restoring historical crafts and promoting handloom traditions. Her sense of style often garners attention too, especially when she chooses heirloom sarees—like the 100-year-old Paithani she wore at a fashion event—to highlight India’s weaving traditions. She has also featured in publications such as MillionaireAsia, credited for her work in cultural preservation and heritage revival.
The Maharaja: Prince, Cricketer, Custodian of Legacy
Born on 25 April 1967, Samarjitsinh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad grew up with a deep interest in sports and represented Baroda in the Ranji Trophy before taking on his responsibilities as head of the royal household. When his father, Maharaja Ranjitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad, passed away, Samarjitsinh ascended the throne in 2012. His coronation, held at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, drew attention nationwide. Today, along with managing the estate, he also oversees temple trusts, properties and cultural foundations associated with the Baroda royal lineage.
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad: Vintage Cars and Automotive History
The Gaekwads are known for their rare and historic car collection. Among their treasured vehicles are: • the first Mercedes-Benz Patent Motorwagen imported into India in 1886, • a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, • a 1934 Rolls-Royce, and • a 1948 Bentley Mark VI. Each of these cars has its own story, often linked to occasions attended by previous kings.
Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad: Net Worth of the Baroda Royal Family
While Radhikaraje’s individual wealth has never been disclosed publicly, the combined family fortune is widely estimated to exceed Rs 20,000 crore, according to reports around a 2013 settlement. This includes palaces, heritage properties across India, ancestral jewellery, Raja Ravi Varma paintings and the management of several significant temples in Gujarat and Varanasi.
A Love Story Rooted in Legacy and Modernity
What makes the Gaekwad couple truly compelling is not the size of their home or the numbers associated with their wealth—it’s the way they have carried their legacy forward with dignity, grace and an unmistakably modern outlook. Their marriage began as an arranged match, but today it stands as an example of companionship that has endured more than two decades. They are custodians of a rich past, yes, but they are also participants in the present: engaging with heritage, supporting artisans, encouraging sports, and opening their palace gates to visitors from around the world. In a time when most royal stories seem confined to history books, the story of Maharaja Samarjitsinh and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad remains very much alive—breathing through corridors of a palace that has watched over Baroda for more than a century, and through a marriage that continues to be one of India’s most enduring royal partnerships.
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