Why Baroda's Radhika Raje Gaekwad Is Called Most Progressive Maharani

In the heartland of India's regal heritage, amidst the opulent palaces and storied dynasties, lies the captivating tale of Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda, Gujarat. An epitome of grace, intellect, and modernity, Maharani Radhika has seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary ideals, acquiring her the title of India's "most progressive Maharani." Despite being born into royalty and living a lavish life in the exquisite Laxmi Vilas Palace, she has carved a unique path for herself, eschewing the conventional expectations that often accompany such lineage.

While upholding the prestige of her titular lineage, Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad's story is a testament to the power of embracing individuality, an ode to trailblazers who forge an identity beyond the traditional. 

Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad

'Most beautiful Maharani'

'Most progressive Maharani'

'Modern Maharani'

Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad, the queen of Baroda, gracefully carries these titles with utmost respect for the responsibilities they come with. Her beauty and leadership have been equated to the likes of revolutionary royals like Maharani Gayatri Devi. Although born into the princely family of Wankaner, Gujarat, she witnessed her father renounce his royal privileges to become an Indian Administrative Officer. 

"My grandfather, the maharaja of Wankaner, was born in 1938. But he grew up at a time when India was a democratic company. He looked into the future and told his children that they had to find their own fortune and contribute to India in newer ways," the 45-year-old queen told Firstport in an interview. 

Maharani Radhika grew up in a blend of two worlds, living the life of an ordinary working-class citizen who travelled in Delhi's public transport and the life of royalty, learning horseriding during her visits to Wankaner. Maharani Radhika holds a Master's degree in medieval Indian history from the Lady Shri Ram College For Women, New Delhi. She even worked as a journalist with the Indian Express newspaper for two years, penning her passion for art, handlooms, and craftsmanship.

She got married to Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad of the Baroda in 2003. The couple has two daughters, Princess Padmajaraje, who is 18 years old, and Princess Narayaniraje, who is 15. The royal family resides in the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, which is known to be four times the size of the UK's Buckingham Palace. A part of the palace is open for public viewing. 

Maharani Radhika is also an art aficionado, who promotes the preservation of India's heritage crafts and handlooms. She is also passionate about the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, hosting events to raise funds for the community and collaborating with several queer organisations to safeguard their rights. She also has a vibrant social media presence, where she has joined hands with queer activists to disseminate awareness about the community.

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She has previously mentioned in interviews that she raises her daughters to be financially independent and forge a path of their own. It is these efforts that make Maharani Radhika Raje stand out from the rest. She recently earned an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of East London for her work in culture, diversity, and inclusion. Her efforts to blend tradition with contemporary initiatives have stood as a shining example of royalty and social welfare reimagined.