There is no reason to underestimate Indian royalty as they aren't less than their foreign counterparts in any way.
When we visualize a modern royal family, we are instantly transported to a European Royal house and their opulence. It is because monarchy was abolished in India in July 1971, as a result of the 26th amendment of the constitution of India which ushered the era of modernization in emerging democratic India. The end of the royalty and kingdoms resulted in the systematic ending of the ownership of the land, money and fortune, which wasn't a pleasant change for most of the royal houses of the country. On the other hand, some of these erstwhile kings showed great astuteness by venturing into successful businesses and managed to retain the glory of their past in the present times as well.
Here are some prominent former royalties that have wealth, status and class to match up to the grandeur of the olden times.
The House of Mewar: Headed by Rana Sriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th custodian of the dynasty which has great ancestors like Maharana Pratap; the house of Mewar is one of the oldest and richest royal families of India. The nominal King resides in the Udaipur city palace with his wife Maharani Vijayraj and family. He owns a chain of over ten luxury heritage hotels converted from palaces across Rajasthan and over a staff of 1200 people to manage them. Also, his antique car museum and enviable crystal collection are a sight to behold.
Wadiyar Dynasty: They are the erstwhile rules of Mysore who trace their ancestry to Lord Krishna and the Yaduvansh clan. The current head of the house is Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar. He owns The Royal Silk of Mysore, a famous brand which was started by the former Maharaja and Uncle of present King, Srikantadatta. The royal house also owns properties, assets and estates worth 10,000 crores INR.
The Royal Family of Jaipur: They are the most prominent faces of Indian royalty which over the years have achieved the status of celebrities. The fashionable and glamorous house's titular head is Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, the maternal grandson of the last King of Jaipur, Bhawani Singh. The young King is a polo player, manages the family's Ram Bagh Palace and also looks after various other ventures of the family. The estimated worth of the family is a whopping $2.5 billion.
Jodhpur Royal House: The Rathore family owns the largest private house Umaid Bhavan palace, which partially has been converted into a luxury hotel. Remember Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas wedding? The venue of the ceremony was Umaid Bhavan Palace.
With so much wealth to squander, these royals are indeed living their life king size.
