# India's royals adapt to modern life

> Former Indian royalty finds new roles in politics, business and cultural preservation.
- Title: India's royals adapt to modern life · The Express Tribune
- Summary: Former Indian royalty finds new roles in politics, business and cultural preservation. India's former royal families are adapting to modern life through…
- Keywords: india, royal families, cultural preservation, politics, museum of royal kingdoms, vadodara, narendra modi, news, pakistan, India's, royals, adapt
- Source: The Express Tribune — https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638321/changing-fortunes-of-indias-royals
- Author: AFP
- Published: 2026-11-02T23:22:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, royal families, cultural preservation, politics, museum of royal kingdoms, vadodara, narendra modi, news, pakistan
## Maharani of Baroda
48-year-old Radhikaraje Gaekwad presides over a modern business empire from her palace in Vadodara, India.

> The key has been that we have adapted
## Cultural preservation
Gaekwad works to preserve art accumulated by generations of rulers to strengthen community identity.

> A glimpse of what was left behind... can bring that sense of identity and pride back in their roots
## Historical context
Under British rule, 565 princely states enjoyed nominal autonomy across 40% of India's land.
## Political engagement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government seeks royal heritage to reinforce national narratives and identity.

> There is a quest for heroes
## Museum project
Modi laid the foundation stone for a $39 million Museum of Royal Kingdoms near Vadodara in 2018.

> the site near Vadodara lies beside the world's tallest statue
## Cultural ambassadors
Royal families act as stewards of tradition through cultural exhibitions and heritage preservation.

> The royal families are custodians of heritage
## Modern adaptations
Some royal families have turned palaces into hotels and run foundations for marginalized groups.

> We're just the bards and storytellers between the past and future
## Key takeaway

India's former royal families are adapting to modern life through politics, business and cultural preservation after losing their kingdoms.