Radhikaraje Gaekwad is among India’s most famous and admired royal Maharanis and Begums, belonging to historical clans. Apart from being known for their royal lifestyle, the modern maharanis of today’s time are also quite progressive. Courtesy of the liberal upbringing they got, they raised the bar, and today, we have so many renowned royal princesses who have been making their mark in business, sports, and other fields.
Who is Radhikaraje Gaekwad? Meet the Maharani of Baroda, who has worked as a journalist
For instance, Princess Rajyashree Kumari is a former professional sharpshooter from the Bikaner royal family. Princess Padmaja Kumari Mewar is another royal princess who is involved in the development of H.R.H. Group of Hotels. However, today, we will talk about the queen of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who is considered India’s most progressive Maharani, courtesy of her incredible contribution in different fields.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad is actively involved in initiatives like the Pink Line Project and organisations, CDS Art Foundation and Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya. Not only this, but she has also worked as a professional journalist for some time in her career. Before we deep dive into the professional background of Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s professional background, she is the daughter of Dr MK Ranjitsinh Jhala and Mahakunwarani Kalpana Kumari.
Not everyone is aware of the fact that Ranjitsinh Jhala gave up his royal title to become an IAS officer. The esteemed government officer was a wildlife and nature conservationist, who got the nickname ‘Cheetah Man’ for protecting the species. Returning to Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s educational details, she was never bothered by the royal tag, just like her father. Just like an ordinary person, Radhikaraje took admission to Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College For Women. The royal lady pursued a Master’s degree in Indian History from the prestigious college. What’s interesting is that while pursuing post-graduation at LSR, Radhikaraje also worked as a journalist for The Indian Express.
Despite being born into a royal family, Radhikaraje Gaekwad lived an ordinary life courtesy of her parents. Radhikaraje used to travel in DTC buses during her schooling days in Delhi. Not only this, Radhikaraje still prefers to wear old sarees and eats in a patravali. In an interview with the Humans of Bombay, Radhikaraje admitted that she became independent due to this simple lifestyle. She further added that at the age of 20, Radhikaraje got a job as a writer at The Indian Express. She was the first woman in her family to work, while most of her cousins were married as soon as they turned 21. She said:
“We led a very ordinary life, so when I visited Wankaner during the summer holidays, I was amused by the attention people gave me. At 20, I got a job at Indian Express as a writer. Side by side, I also pursued my Master’s degree. I was the first woman in the family to work; most of my cousins were married by 21!”
Radhikaraje Gaikwad’s husband, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, is India’s second richest cricketer with a Rs. 20,000 crore net worth
Talking about Radhikaraje Gaikwad’s personal life, she is married to India’s second richest cricketer, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, who has an estimated net worth of Rs. 20,000 crore. During his playing days, Samarjitsinh represented Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. He was a top-order batsman in the good old days. After hanging his bat, he became the president of the Baroda Cricket Association. For the uninitiated, Aryaman Birla is India’s richest cricketer, with a net worth of Rs. 70,000 crore. The couple got married on February 27, 2002, and they’re parents of two beautiful daughters, Narayani Raje Gaekwad and Padmaja Raje Gaekwad.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad on her decision not to adopt a boy for the heir of their family’s rich legacy
In a conversation with Mid-Day, Radhikaraje Gaekwad openly talked about the heir to her family’s legacy as per the traditional rules. As we all know, Radhikaraje and Samarjitsinh Gaekwad have two daughters and no boy. The queen of Baroda admitted that people often ask her whether she plans to adopt a boy so they can have an heir. In response to such questions and speculations, she said:
“Are you planning to adopt. And actually ye sawaal mereko meri beti ne pucha. Aur mujhe uspe aascharya hua aaj. That was the turning point for me. When I sat down with my elder daughter Padmanaja and I said ‘You know in our family there supposed to be a boy and I am not going to try for a son’. Padmaja said ‘Par mumma I though you will adopt.’ And I hit me so hard like a slap on my face because we are raising them to be the best version of themselves. We are not raising them as girls but as a citizen of this country. Thus, if a 15 or 16 year old child is thinking that she will be replaced by a boy and that’s when it hit me. I don’t want my children to accept tradition without questioning because I am not doing it.”
Radhikaraje Gaekwad is truly an inspiration for all the women out there. The Maharani of Baroda wants her daughters, Narayani Raje Gaekwad and Padmaja Raje Gaekwad, to take their family’s rich legacy ahead. We hope to see Padmaja taking command of her royal lineage ahead and making a strong statement across India.
What are your thoughts on these interesting anecdotes about Baroda’s queen, Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s personal and professional fronts? Let us know.
Also Read: Meet Trishika Kumari, Queen Of Mysore Who Gave An Heir To Wadiyar Dynasty After 400-Year-Old Curse
