10 Royal Families Of India Still Carrying Their Regal Legacy: From Mewar To Pataudi, Here’s Where They Are In 2025

There’s something unique about India’s royals. They are not just stories from crumbling history books, but they’re walking reminders of a time when grace was as important as power. From Mysore’s tree-lined

boulevards to Udaipur’s lakes, these families carry a quiet sort of grandeur, untouched by the rush of modern fame or fleeting trends. What makes them interesting today is not the glittering ceremonies, luxurious palaces, or the old-world glamour, but how they were able to turn legacy into something relevant — weaving hospitality, culture, philanthropy, sustainability, and art into everyday life.

1. The Mewar Dynasty

When one thinks of Rajput pride, the name Mewar comes to mind. With roots stretching back over 14 centuries, the family is one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world. It was the late Rana Sriji Arvind Singh Mewar who transformed the City Palace of Udaipur into a living museum. Through the HRH Group of Hotels, luxury is offered not as excess but as elegance steeped in culture. That's not all; his charitable foundation still funds healthcare and education.

2. The Alsisar Royals

In the heart of Shekhawati, where frescoed walls tell stories of travelers and traders, Abhimanyu Singh of Alsisar is creating history again. For the unversed, the family’s ancestral palace now hosts the Magnetic Fields Festival. Once a sleepy town, it now attracts creators and musicians from across the globe.

3. The Jaipur Royals

Few families capture India’s imagination like Jaipur’s royals. Leading the charge is Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, or “Pacho” to those who follow his polo victories and global fashion appearances. Through his efforts, Jaipur continues to shine — its festivals thriving, palaces restored. The Jaipur Literature Festival, held in the shadow of the City Palace, stands as proof that culture can evolve beautifully without losing its roots.

4. The Wadiyars of Mysore

The Wadiyars of Mysore reflect dignity in its most enduring form. Their influence is woven into silk thread and sandalwood fragrance the city is famous for. Today, Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar leads the family into the present with poise. Under him, Mysore’s iconic Dasara festival has found new life as both a spiritual celebration and a cultural showcase. His contribution towards wildlife protection and education reflects a royal lineage.

5. The Rajkot Royals

Royalty is not just about palaces, but it is about purpose. Rajkot's Yuvraj Mandhatasinh Jadeja's focuses on renewable energy — spanning solar, hydropower, and biofuels.

6. The Rathores of Jodhpur

You cannot avoid feeling the weight of history if you are standing before Mehrangarh Fort and not feel the weight of history. The Rathores have managed to rule this rugged land for centuries. Under Maharaja Gaj Singh II, Jodhpur evolved into a cultural epicentre. Through initiatives like the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sacred Spirit Festival, he has turned his ancestral city into a stage for global art and music. The family’s Umaid Bhawan Palace remains both a home and a heritage hotel.

7. The Gaekwads of Baroda

Few dynasties have balanced opulence and intellect quite like the Gaekwads. The Laxmi Vilas Palace, said to be larger than Buckingham, still stands as one of India’s grandest residences. Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, the current scion, is continuing the family’s tradition of supporting education and the arts. He works closely with Maharaja Sayajirao University and the Baroda Museum to uphold a legacy built on creativity, learning, and quiet sophistication.

8. The Travancore Royals

Among all of India’s royal lineages, Travancore remains the most spiritual. Their centuries-old devotion to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple — one of the richest shrines in the world — speaks of faith, not fortune. The present head, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, has been supporting Kerala’s premier medical and cultural institutions. That's not all; under his guidance, the Navaratri Music Festival continues to get bigger and better.

9. The Bikaner Royals

Princess Rajyashree Kumari, who was a national shooting champion in her youth, now works towards social causes through the Maharaja Ganga Singhji Charitable Trust. Lalgarh Palace is now a heritage property, and it serves as a window into Rajasthan’s past.

10. The Pataudis

Few royal families have blended tradition with popular culture quite like the Pataudis. From Iftikhar Ali Khan and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, both cricketing legends, to Sharmila Tagore, whose cinematic grace defined an era — the family’s legacy has always been a fusion of elegance and excellence. Today, Saif Ali Khan carries that lineage forward with quiet pride. The restored Pataudi Palace, estimated to be worth over Rs 800 crore, stands as a symbol of understated sophistication — much like the family itself.