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Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad — The Modern Guardian of India’s Grandest Royal Residence

Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad stands at the helm of Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the iconic royal residence of Vadodara and one of India’s most extraordinary architectural treasures. Built in 1890 and spanning nearly 3 million sq ft, the palace is estimated to be worth around ₹25,000 crore, making it 61 times larger than Antilia and even more expansive than Buckingham Palace.

The palace’s grandeur is legendary:

  • 170+ rooms designed with European and Indo-Saracenic influences
  • A private golf course on the estate
  • The stunning Durbar Hall adorned with Venetian mosaic and Belgian chandeliers
  • Marble corridors, ornate galleries, and a museum preserving centuries of royal artefacts — including weapons, jewels, paintings, manuscripts, and rare photographs

Yet, beyond the opulence of Lakshmi Vilas Palace lies the exceptional woman who preserves its legacy.

Maharani Radhikaraje is not just the custodian of a royal home — she is a scholar, historian, author, and former journalist who has dedicated years to documenting the Gaekwad family’s history and safeguarding the cultural heritage of Vadodara. Her initiatives focus deeply on education, women’s empowerment, and child welfare, making her a respected social leader in contemporary India.

At a time when many royal estates have transitioned into luxury hotels and commercial ventures, Lakshmi Vilas Palace remains a living, breathing royal residence — a testament to tradition, continuity, and responsible heritage preservation. Much of this credit goes to Radhikaraje, whose stewardship blends modern sensibility with deep respect for history.

Through her work, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad has ensured that Lakshmi Vilas Palace is not merely a monument to the past — but a vibrant cultural institution that continues to inspire India and the world.

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