In July 1971, the 26th amendment to the Constitution of India declared the abolition of monarchy in the country and stepped into the world of modernity. While many royal families during this time lost much of their status, fame and fortune, there were some who successfully survived the tides of time and managed to maintain a huge portion of their riches and luxuries for the future. Over the decades, they have transformed their ancestral assets and wealth into blossoming businesses and therefore, continue to live a life of luxury. That being said, here are some of the wealthiest royal families of India that still possess unimaginable riches.

Photo: Instagram/@royalfamilyjaipur

Mewar Dynasty is one of the oldest and most popular royal lineages of India. With an ancestral history of famous figures like Maharana Pratap, it is undeniably the most recognized royal households in India. Currently headed by the 76th custodian of the dynasty, Rana Sriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the family resides in the beautiful city of Udaipur and owns heritage hotels, resorts and charitable institutions across Rajasthan, including the HRH Group of Hotels, which has over 10 hotels under it.

Photo: Instagram/arvindsinghmewar

The Royal Family of Jaipur are said to be the descendants of a Rajput clan called the Kachhwahas, who claim their descent from Kush, son of Ram. His Highness Bhawani Singh was the last titular head of Jaipur. However, as the King did not have any sons, he declared his daughter’s son, Padmanabh Singh, who is also a national-level polo player, as the Maharaja of Jaipur. Reportedly, the royal family’s current worth of combined riches is estimated to be around US$2.8 billion.

Photo: Official page of Royal Jaipur

Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is currently the titular Maharaja of Mysore and the head of the Wadiyar dynasty. The family owns one of the most famous silk brand known as The Royal Silk of Mysore, started by the King’s uncle, Srikantadatta. Besides that, the royal family has properties, lands and assets which are a whopping worth of Rs 10,000 Crores.

Photo: Instagram/ykcwadiyar

Currently lead by Yuvraj Mandhatasinh Jadeja, The Royal Family of Rajkot is the only royal household who has broken away from the clichéd idea of turning their ancestral properties into hotels and luxury palaces, instead they have invested around hundred crore rupees in hydropower plants and biofuel development.

Photo - Courtesy official page of Royal Princely State/Rajkot

The Pataudi household, previously lead by the last titular head and former captain of the Indian Cricket Team Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, is currently lead by our very own Bollywood heartthrob Saif Ali Khan. Besides his earnings from his acting career, the Nawab also owns the Ibrahim Palace, the ancestral palace of the Pataudi family, which is currently run as Neemrana Hotels for tourists. That being said, his wealth estimates over Rs 2,83,10,80,000 while the real estate worth of his Pataudi property is considered to be over ₹750 crores.

Photo - AP Photo/Mustafa Quraishi

Samarjitsinh Gaekwad is currently the titular head of the royal family of Baroda. Having originated from Pune, the ancestral family settled in Baroda in the 18th century. Besides owning property worth over Rs 20,000 crores, the King also inherited the the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which is said to be four times the size of the Buckingham Palace.

When it comes to the Royal Family of Jodhpur, they sure are one of the richest royal families in India and owners of India’s best luxury hotels and palaces. Currently, Maharaj Gaj Singh II is the titular head of the state and the family owns the world’s largest private residence in Jodhpur, Umaid Bhavan, along with Mehrangarh Fort, also amongst the largest forts in the world.

Photo: Instagram/jodhpur_maharaja