Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of the erstwhile princely state of Baroda, has ignited a debate with her remarks on royal marriages. Appearing on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, she addressed the question of whether “royal people only get married to royals.” Gaekwad responded, “I think, preferably. I would say families would want their children to get married in their type of families. An arranged marriage, basically. In traditional communities, if you are a Gujarati, you marry a Gujarati. This is how it is.”
Despite this preference, Gaekwad clarified that marriages with non-royals are common and that non-royals are readily accepted into royal families. She explained that marriage to royals is a matter of preference, much like in many orthodox Indian families.
However, Gaekwad admitted that adapting to life outside royalty can be challenging. “To tell you the truth, it is difficult. We have grown up in palaces. You get used to the love and respect you get from people. Or how you treat each other. That may be tough to find outside of royalty,” she said. She added that while initial happiness in a love marriage is common, deeply entrenched traditions can create issues over time. “You get married. You are very happy because as an individual you love this person, you don’t care about status. Very good. But sometimes these traditions are so deeply entrenched in us that when we stray, we feel that we have strayed from our sense of self, our identity.”
Gaekwad’s comments sparked a range of reactions. Some supported her views, while others were dismissive or angry. One Instagram user commented, “Royalty was what brought the British to India because of their wealthy greed. While they enjoyed, the poor fought on streets to free themselves from tyranny of the British. Stop glorifying them.” Another user countered, “She spoke the truth! It’s not only royal even in normal community we feel same.” A third user agreed, adding a financial perspective: “She is correct. Add financial angle also.”
Radhikaraje, born into the princely family of Wankaner, Gujarat, married Samarjitsinh Gaekwad of Baroda, maintaining her connection to royal lineage.