Radhikaraje Gaekwad: The Maharani of Timeless Elegance and Heritage
Introduction to Radhikaraje Gaekwad
Radhikaraje Gaekwad is a Maharani renowned for her classic beauty and distinctive fashion sense. She enjoys significant popularity on social media and resides in a palace that surpasses even Ambani’s Antilia and Buckingham Palace in grandeur. As the spouse of Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, the royal heir of the Gaekwad dynasty, she is also a passionate advocate for heritage conservation and textile revival. Her royal lineage traces back to the Wankaner State, and she has been featured in various publications, including MillionaireAsia.
The Magnificent Lakshmi Vilas Palace
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace, also referred to as Baroda Palace, is recognized as the most expensive private residence globally, valued at approximately Rs 25,000 crore. This remarkable abode of the Gaekwad family, who were the former rulers of Vadodara (formerly Baroda) in Gujarat, is four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
A Glimpse of Heritage: The Antique Paithani Saree
Embodying her royal heritage, Radhikaraje donned a stunning 100-year-old pink Paithani silk saree designed by Vaishali Shadangule. She shared insights on Instagram about the rich history of this treasured garment, illustrating how some items only gain beauty with age. In her post, she showcased the saree and discussed its significance, stating, "This Handloom Day, I fulfilled a long-held wish by walking in Vaishali’s latest show, titled Naad, the sound of the loom. We paired the label’s signature corded blouse with an antique silk Paithani from our family collection."
The Journey of the Paithani Saree
Radhikaraje revealed that this saree was last exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala in 1985, curated by the esteemed Martand Singh. It has been preserved carefully since then, showcasing the journey of this exquisite textile from a remote village in Maharashtra to a prestigious New York museum and now to a runway in Delhi.
The Legacy of the Paithani Saree
The Paithani saree, named after the town of Paithan near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is a piece of living history. It is celebrated in ancient texts as Dev Vastra, or 'divine fabric,' originally crafted from silk imported from China and handwoven with real gold threads.
Exploring Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Designed by British engineer Major Charles Mant, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace spans an impressive 700 acres and features 170 rooms originally intended for the Maharaja and Maharani. The estate includes beautiful gardens, a large horse stable, a swimming pool, and a private golf course. Notably, even Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia is smaller than this grand palace. A portion of the palace is accessible to tourists for Rs. 150, with an additional Rs. 60 for the museum. Interestingly, a red light is activated whenever the Maharaja is present, signaling his presence.
Wealth of Radhikaraje Gaekwad and Samarjitsinh Gaekwad
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace is valued at over Rs 25,000 crore, making it the most luxurious residence in India, surpassing Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia, which is valued at Rs 15,000 crore. While the exact net worth of the Gaekwad family is not publicly available, estimates suggest it is around Rs 20,000 crore, enabling them to support charitable endeavors while maintaining their royal legacy. Samarjitsinh Gaekwad is recognized as one of the wealthiest cricketers globally. In 2013, the Gaekwads of Baroda resolved a long-standing inheritance dispute worth over 3 billion pounds (approximately Rs 20,000 crore). The Maharaja of Baroda once commanded a powerful princely state, complete with his own army and navy, from the opulent Lakshmi Vilas Palace.