For decades after Independence, it was believed that India’s royal families would quietly disappear and would only be remembered in history—their assets looted, their wealth divided, their palaces turned
into museums, their influence reduced to ceremonial appearances. Yet, in 2026, Indian royalty tells a very different story. Far from fading, these royal families have reinvented themselves. They have transformed centuries-old palaces into heritage properties and legacies into some of the country’s most valuable private fortunes. What makes their wealth even more interesting is not just the massive numbers, but how it has endured. While industrial billionaires rise and fall with markets, royal wealth is rooted in heritage, ancestral assets, and palaces that have appreciated steadily over generations. Lake-facing palaces, sprawling fortresses, and urban estates now double as luxury hotels, cultural landmarks, and high-yield tourism assets. According to heritage valuations and estimates cited by lifestyle and business publications such as Indulgexpress, a select group of Indian royal families today rival—and in some cases surpass—India’s biggest business houses in net worth. Here is a closer look at the royal families who dominate India’s wealth charts in 2026 and how they continue to monetise history itself.
The Mewar Dynasty, Udaipur—India’s Wealthiest Royal House
At the very top of this wealth hierarchy is the House of Mewar, headed by Maharana Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar. The family has a net worth of over Rs 50,000 crore. The foundation of this fortune lies in the HRH Group of Hotels. For the unversed, it's the heritage hospitality empire built around some of Rajasthan’s most iconic properties. The Taj Lake Palace, set dramatically in the middle of Lake Pichola, and the Jagmandir Island Palace are globally recognised luxury hotels, commanding premium tariffs year-round. The City Palace complex, still partly occupied by the family, remains one of India’s most visited heritage attractions.
What sets the Mewars apart from other royal families is longevity. The family's lineage goes back more than 1,400 years l. That's not all; it has never surrendered sovereignty in battle—a claim proudly preserved in its historical narrative.
The Rathod Family of Jodhpur—Power Anchored in Stone and Sandstone
Led by Maharaja Gaj Singh II, this royal family of Jodhpur has an estimated net worth of around Rs 22,000 crore in 2026. Their fortune is anchored by Umaid Bhawan Palace. With 347 rooms spread across Indo-Deco architecture, the palace is a museum, a royal home, and a luxury heritage hotel operated by the Taj Group.
The family also managed Mehrangarh Fort, which attracts tourists every year and generates steady tourism revenue. For the unversed, and as per history, Umaid Bhawan Palace was built during a devastating famine to provide employment.
The Gaekwads of Baroda—A Palace Valued Like a Corporation
The Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda ranks among India’s wealthiest royal families, with estimates placing their net worth between Rs 20,000 crore and Rs 25,000 crore in 2026. The family is headed by Samarjitsinh Gaekwad. At the centre of this valuation is the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. Spread over nearly 700 acres, the palace is frequently described as being several times larger than Buckingham Palace. Heritage experts quoted by Indulgexpress estimate that the palace alone could be valued at close to Rs 24,000 crore.
It's not just the real estate; the family is also known for their contribution to public infrastructure, sports, and education. Their decades-old association with Indian cricket and progressive reforms still bolsters their cultural standing.
Jaipur Royal Family—Tradition Repackaged for a Global Audience
With an estimated net worth of around Rs 20,000 crore in 2026 and being represented by Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, this Jaipur royal family is one of India’ most prominent and marketable dynasties. Their assets include the Jaigarh Fort, the City Palace, and extensive heritage real estate that feeds directly into Rajasthan’s tourism economy. Strategic collaborations, global fashion visibility, and curated museums are the reasons behind the family's cultural relevance—and financial independence.
A lesser-known detail: The City Palace still houses the world’s largest silver urns, once used to transport Ganga water overseas for royal rituals.
The Wadiyars of Mysore—Southern Royalty With Enduring Value
In southern India, the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore continues to hold substantial wealth. They have an estimated net worth of around Rs 10,000 crore in 2026. The family is headed by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar. While some properties were lost through legal disputes in the past, the Wadiyars are still the custodians of the Mysore Palace—among India’s most visited monuments—and retain ownership of Bangalore Palace, a prime urban asset with immense land value.
The annual Dasara celebrations alone generate significant tourism-driven revenue. Few palaces in the world are illuminated like Mysore Palace, which uses nearly 100,000 bulbs during festivities — a visual symbol of royalty that still draws global attention.
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