Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda is an example of how tradition and progress can coexist. Born on July 19, 1978, into the royal family of Wankaner, she grew up far removed from the grandeur often associated with royalty. Her father, Dr. M. K. Ranjitsinh Jhala, famously gave up his royal privileges to join the Indian Administrative Service and went on to play a key role in shaping India’s wildlife conservation laws.
Raised in Delhi, Radhikaraje experienced a grounded childhood—travelling by public buses, embracing independence, and nurturing a love for reading and history. She pursued her passion academically, earning a Master’s degree in Medieval Indian History from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. At the age of 20, she became the first woman in her family to work, starting a career in journalism with publications such as The Indian Express.
Her life took a royal turn in 2002 when she married Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and moved into the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara—regarded as the largest private residence in the world. Vast, covering over 500 acres and housing 176 rooms, it is four times the size of Buckingham Palace and stands as a living emblem of the Gaekwad legacy.
Guardian of Heritage
Radhikaraje’s role as Maharani is far from ceremonial. She is deeply involved in heritage conservation, ensuring the palace’s architecture and legacy are preserved for future generations. She has opened its doors for cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals, transforming it into a vibrant hub for the community.
Her passion for textiles has led to the revival of historic weaving traditions, including the Baroda Shalu and intricate Chanderi sarees. Collaborating with artisans, she has brought these crafts to wider audiences, often hosting exhibitions that sell out instantly.
Champion for Artisans and Women
During the COVID-19 lockdown, when artisans across India faced severe hardships, Radhikaraje personally travelled to villages, raised awareness online, and provided support to over 600 families. She continues to run skill-building programs in tailoring, beauty services, and block printing—helping women launch small businesses with training and financial literacy.
Her Pink Line Project trains women to become school-van drivers, enhancing child safety and providing them with sustainable livelihoods. She is also behind Gazra Café, a unique transgender-run café located at the century-old Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya, furthering her mission of social inclusion.
Inclusion Through Innovation
Never one to shy away from bold initiatives, Radhikaraje is spearheading Gazra Mitra, a mobile app designed to connect LGBTQIA individuals with medical, legal, and housing assistance. This digital platform is set to become a lifeline for the community and reflects her belief in blending tradition with technology for social good.
A Modern Royal Vision
Recognized as a Fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of East London, Radhikaraje is committed to making heritage relevant in the modern world. She often describes the palace as a “family member” that needs constant care and sees her work as passing on more than wealth to her daughters, Padmajaraje and Narayaniraje—passing on values of independence, compassion, and courage.
“I’ve broken traditions, set my own boundaries, and done what was not expected of me,” she says. “That’s the heirloom I’m giving my daughters—to choose their own path and have no regrets.”