Whenever we hear the term ‘Maharani,’ the image that fills our minds is often that of Queens —adorned in exquisite jewelry, draped in long veils, riding a grand horse, with attendants following her in a magnificent palace. Our perception of royalty largely remains rooted in the past, shaped by depictions in historical series like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and others. Here, we introduce you to Maharanis who still hold their royal titles but embrace progress. While they preserve their legacies by upholding traditions and rituals, they do so with a modern approach and a forward-thinking mindset.
Young FICCI Ladies Organisation’s ‘Regal Empowerment’
The Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) hosted a rare event in Hyderabad, bringing together royals in a gathering that captured nationwide attention. Four royal princesses and a Mahara participated in a unique session, The Regal Empowerment: A Confluence of Indian Royalties.
HH Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Gujarat’s Baroda, Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi of Balasinor, Rani Preeti Singh of Punjab’s Nabha, Odisha Princess Meenal Kumari Singh Deo of Dhenkanal, and Maharaj Kumar Sahib Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur recently convened in Hyderabad for ‘Regal Empowerment: A Confluence of Indian Royalties’ — the grand finale of YFLO 2024-25 session, mediated by Ridhi Jain, YFLO chairperson, at Hyderabad’s Leela.
Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, who was the only Mahara in the event shared how women empowerment was in their family genes. Also said how their ancestor Maharana Shambhu Singh of the Mewar dynasty in Rajasthamn established the first all-girls school in the region in the year 1865.
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Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad – Royal Family of Baroda, Gujarat
Radhikaraje Gaekwad: Radhikaraje Gaekwad is one of the most progressive Maharani of India. She is the wife of royal scion of the Gaekwad dynasty honorary Maharaja of Baroda, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad. Radhikaraje Gaekwad is an expert in heritage conservation and a champion of textile revival. She has also been featured in Millionaire Asia magazine. She hails from the royal family of Wankaner State and is married to the Maharaja.
Maharani’s Ancestral Palace – Lakshmi Vilas
They live in an extraordinary palace, which experts consider the most expensive private home in the world, valued at Rs 25,000 crore. Lakshmi Vilas Palace which is also known as Baroda Palace, is four times larger than Britain’s royal Buckingham Palace. Lakshmi Vilas is the ancestral home of the Gaekwad royals, the erstwhile rulers of Gujarat’s Vadodara (then Baroda).
Rani Preeti Singh – Royal Family of Nabha, Punjab
Rani Preeti Singh highlighted her family’s progressive stance on women’s rights, citing her great-grandfather’s bold decision to encourage widow remarriage—an unheard-of practice in earlier times. According to an Indian Express report- “I come from the royal family of Nabha, a princely state in Punjab blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Our ancestors performed the last rites for his two elder Sahibzadas and received his divine blessings, marking the beginning of our legacy. Seva (selfless service) is central to Sikhism and has guided my family’s actions for generations. One of my most inspiring ancestors, who ruled Nabha 130-135 years ago, implemented progressive reforms, including a groundbreaking law making widow remarriage compulsory within six months — a revolutionary act for its time.”
Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi – ‘Dinosaur Princess’, Royal Family Of Balasinor
Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi is the daughter of the Late Nawab Saheb of Balasinor in Gujarat. She is an amateur palaeontologist and conservationist. Passionate about preserving history, she has dedicated herself to protecting the rare dinosaur fossils that once roamed the lands of her ancestors. Taking it upon herself to safeguard the precious relics of these extinct species, she tirelessly advocates for the conservation of the fossil site in Rahioli near Balasinor. Fondly known as “The Dinosaur Princess” or “Dr. Dinosaur,” a title lovingly given by the media and visitors, she has become a symbol of heritage conservation and scientific curiosity.
Princess Meenal Kumari Singh Deo – Royal Family of Dhenkanal, Odisha
Meenal Kumari Singh Deo owns Dhenkanal Palace, a 200-year-old property that she has transformed into a heritage homestay. She also leads an empowering fashion movement. Today, she has transformed Dhenkanal Palace into a thriving heritage homestay, welcoming guests to experience its rich history. But her efforts go far beyond that—she has brought together artisans from within a 45-kilometer radius, creating a vibrant community dedicated to preserving traditional crafts. From hand-painted pattachitra and intricate dhokra art to beautifully woven ikat designs on cotton and silk sarees, as well as brass jewelry and metal casting, she is ensuring these timeless art forms continue to flourish in the modern world.
Beyond managing a heritage homestay, she actively empowers artisans. She founded the Maharaja Bhagirath Mahindra Bahadur Foundation to provide them with education and meaningful platforms to showcase their craft. Through her brand, she passionately promotes ikkat textiles and dokra art, bringing these traditional crafts to a wider audience through exhibitions and collaborations.
