India’s royal families, despite the abolition of privy purses and privileges in the 1970s, continue to wield significant wealth, primarily through their historical assets, estates, business ventures, and investments. While the net worth of many royal families is difficult to estimate precisely due to the secrecy surrounding personal wealth, here are some of the richest and most prominent royal families of India along with their possible net worths:
🏰 Richest Royal Families of India
1. House of Wadiyar (Mysore, Karnataka)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹12,000 crore (approx. $1.5 billion)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Wadiyar family owns vast agricultural lands, real estate, and several assets tied to tourism.
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They also run luxury hotels like the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel.
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They still hold valuable assets like the Mysore Palace, which is a major tourist attraction.
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The family is involved in cultural and educational initiatives that bring in revenue.
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2. House of Mewar (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹40,000 crore (approx. $5 billion)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Mewar royal family operates luxury hotels under the HRH Group of Hotels, including the famous Lake Palace.
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They own extensive lands and properties that generate income through tourism and hospitality.
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The family runs a major art and heritage collection, with museum exhibitions and cultural activities.
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They also operate real estate businesses that contribute to their wealth.
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3. House of Jaipur (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹15,000 crore (approx. $1.8 billion)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Jaipur royal family owns several properties, including City Palace, which generates income through tourism.
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They are heavily involved in the hospitality industry, owning and managing luxurious hotels.
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Investments in art, culture, and various other sectors contribute to their wealth.
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4. House of Gaekwad (Baroda, Gujarat)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹20,000 crore (approx. $2.5 billion)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the richest and most iconic assets of the Gaekwad family.
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The family has invested in several business sectors, including hospitality, real estate, and agriculture.
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The Gaekwads also have stakes in various cultural and heritage-driven ventures.
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5. Scindia Family (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹3,000 crore (approx. $400 million)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The family holds large estates and historical properties, including the Jai Vilas Palace.
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Their business ventures include investments in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
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The family also has political influence, with Jyotiraditya Scindia being a member of the ruling party.
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6. House of Rajkot (Rajkot, Gujarat)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹15,000 crore (approx. $1.8 billion)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Navlakha Palace and other properties, including agricultural lands, contribute to the family’s wealth.
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They are involved in businesses spanning textiles, real estate, and hospitality.
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7. House of Bikaner (Bikaner, Rajasthan)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹5,000 crore (approx. $600 million)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The family owns the Junagarh Fort, which draws significant revenue through tourism.
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Other assets, such as palaces and agricultural lands, add to their wealth.
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8. House of Patiala (Patiala, Punjab)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹10,000 crore (approx. $1.2 billion)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Patiala royal family owns the Qila Mubarak Palace and other valuable lands and properties.
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The family is involved in various investments, particularly in the hospitality industry.
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👑 Other Notable Royal Families in India
1. House of Bhopal (Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹1,500 crore (approx. $180 million)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The Bhopal royal family is known for their real estate holdings, with significant investments in land and properties.
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The Shaukat Mahal and other estates generate income from tourism.
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2. House of Pataudi (Pataudi, Haryana)
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Net Worth: Estimated at ₹400 crore (approx. $50 million)
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Key Sources of Income:
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The family holds land assets and is involved in agricultural businesses.
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Known for their association with cricket (the Pataudi legacy), the family is also involved in branding and media ventures.
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These richest royal families have successfully adapted to the changing times by diversifying their wealth into business ventures like hospitality, real estate, and tourism. While the exact net worths are speculative and approximate, these figures demonstrate the continued prominence and influence of these royal families in modern business and culture.
