🏰 1. Lineage from Prithviraj Chauhan

  • The ruling family of Chhota Udaipur are descended from Prithviraj Chauhan, the famed 12th-century Rajput king of Ajmer and Delhi

  • According to local history, after losing in Ranthambhore (~1300 CE), the Khichi‑Chauhan branch migrated to Gujarat, eventually establishing rule at Mohan and then Chhota Udaipur

👑 2. Princely State & Rulers

  • State founded in 1743 by Rawal Udeysinhji, recognized under Rewa Kantha Agency, merged with India in 1947 – 48

  • Key rulers:

    • Fatehsinhji (1895–1923), philanthropist known for civic initiatives.

    • Natwarsinhji (1923–1946), noted for refined tastes (e.g., 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom)

    • Virendrasinhji (15 Oct 1946 – 25 Jun 2005), last titular maharawal before state integration

  • Today, his heir Maharaja Aishwarya Pratap Singh Virendra Singh Chauhan heads the family and is involved in philanthropy and heritage preservation

💼 3. The One‑Share Tata Mystery

  • Maharawal Virendrasinhji (Virendra Singh Chauhan) famously owned a single share in Tata Sons, revealed in shareholder disclosures—an anomaly since only insiders could hold such shares.

  • His son, Jai Pratap, explains Virendrasinhji once held a small block of shares but sold most in the 1990s, retaining one out of nostalgia and continued affinity with the Tata group

🏛 4. Royal Residences as Heritage Hotels

  • The historic Kusum Vilas Palace (built early 20th century by Natwarsinhji) and Prem Bhavan (built for his consorts Kusumkumar and Premlatadevi) now form a heritage hotel complex

  • These palaces are an elegant blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture with European interiors, boasting extensive lawns, fountains, marble work, and vintage furnishings

📌 Quick Overview

Theme Key Info
Family Origins Chauhan Rajputs from Prithviraj Chauhan, later Khichi branch in Gujarat
Notable Maharawals Fatehsinhji (philanthropy), Natwarsinhji (luxury, car), Virendrasinhji (Tata share)
Present Head Maharaja Aishwarya Pratap Singh Chauhan—cultural patron & philanthropist
Heritage Site Kusum Vilas Palace + Prem Bhavan = heritage hotel with historical architecture
Unique Legacy Single Tata Sons share, symbolizing historic ties & modern business role

✅ Final Thoughts

Chhota Udaipur’s Chauhan royals trace an illustrious lineage from medieval India’s most famed king, evolved into modern princely rulers, and continue their legacy through cultural initiatives and heritage tourism. The quirky tale of a single Tata Sons share reflects their blend of tradition, strategic alliances, and adaptation to post-independence India.

🔹 Historical Background

Founded in 1743 by Rawal Udeysinhji, the princely state of Chhota Udaipur was later led by a line of Chauhan Rajput rulers. The last reigning monarch, Maharawal Virendrasinhji, signed Merger with India after the 1947 accession.

🔹 Titular Succession

  • Maharawal (today’s titular head): His Highness Maharaja Aishwarya Pratap Singh Virendra Singh Chauhan. He is the current custodian of the family’s heritage and Kusum Vilas Palace, involved in regional cultural and philanthropic endeavors.

  • Yuvraj (Crown Prince): Yuvraj Sumer Sinh Ji Saheb, born 1996, heir apparent and part of the modern face of the dynasty.

🔹 Family’s Modern Role

Though without political authority, the family maintains significant cultural influence in Chhota Udaipur:

  • Stewards of Kusum Vilas Palace, engaging in cultural tourism and heritage conservation.

  • Philanthropy: Likely involved in local charitable activities, historical preservation, and public engagement at the palace and associated tribal art initiatives.

📰 Related Contemporary Figures

While the royal family itself isn’t in electoral politics, Chhota Udaipur’s political landscape is dominated by the Rathwa family:

  • Mohansinh Rathva – ten-term MLA, recently shifted to BJP

  • Rajendrasinh Rathva – current MLA (2022–), BJP

  • Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva – MP since 2024, BJP

  • Gitaben Vajesingbhai Rathva – MP from 2019–2024, BJP

✨ Summary Table

Title Name Born Role
Maharaja Aishwarya Pratap Singh Virendra Singh Chauhan — Titular head, cultural custodian
Yuvraj Sumer Sinh Ji Saheb 1996 Heir apparent
Political Leaders (non-royal) Mohansinh, Rajendrasinh, Jashubhai, Gitaben Rathva — Current MLAs/MPs from BJP

Other Important Member

👤 Identity & Lineage

🎓 Education & Marriage

  • Education: Attended Rajkumar College, Rajkot (a royal boarding institution for Indian nobility) indianrajputs.com.

  • Marital connection: Married on April 25, 2008, to Kunwari Padmini Kumari (born January 25, 1981), daughter of Raja Yadvendrapal Singh of Awagarh indianrajputs.com.

📌 Context & Position

  • As a member of the former princely family, Kamakshayraj holds the title Kunwar (prince), but has no formal administrative or political role today.

  • His marriage into another royal lineage (Awagarh, Uttar Pradesh) follows a traditional alliance pattern among princely families—even though their political power waned after Indian independence in 1947–48 indianrajputs.com.

🔎 At a Glance

Aspect Details
Name Kamakshya Raj Sinhji (Prithvirajsinhji family)
Lineage Chauhan dynasty of Chhota Udaipur (descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan)
Education Royal education at Rajkumar College, Rajkot
Marriage Wed Kunwari Padmini Kumari of Awagarh in 2008—a continuing royal alliance
Current Role Represents princely family heritage; no political office

✅ Summary

Kamakshya Raj Sinhji embodies the contemporary generation of Chhota Udaipur’s erstwhile royals: educated, connected through traditional royal alliances, and living the legacy of a once-sovereign Maharawal—but now primarily as a cultural and historical scion rather than a ruling figure.

✅ In Summary

Today, the Chhota Udaipur royal family carries forward its legacy through cultural stewardship, palace upkeep, and community interaction. Maharaja Aishwarya Pratap Singh and Yuvraj Sumer Sinh honor centuries-old traditions in a modern context, even as political leadership in the region is exercised by locally dominant elected figures.