Royal Simplicity: Princess Shivranjani Rajye Rs 22000 crore bank balance and the Legacy of Umaid Bhawan Palace

Royal Simplicity: Princess Shivranjani Rajye Rs 22000 crore bank balance and the Legacy of Umaid Bhawan Palace
She has a net worth of ₹22,000 crore, lives in a 347-room palace, and chose legacy over luxury.
When people think of royalty, images of sparkling diamonds, extravagant gowns, and lavish lifestyles usually come to mind. But Princess Shivranjani Rajye of Jodhpur rewrites that narrative. Despite belonging to one of India’s richest royal families and residing in one of the world’s largest palaces, she lives a life marked by simplicity, dignity, and devotion to preserving heritage.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: A Living Legacy
Located in the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s “Sun City” Umaid Bhawan Palace stands as a majestic blend of Rajputana grandeur and historical significance. Spanning over 26 acres and housing 347 rooms, it is not only one of the largest private residences in the world but also a symbol of resilience.
Commissioned in 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh, the palace was built not as a luxury project but as a relief effort. After a severe drought gripped Jodhpur for three years, construction of the palace began to provide employment to the locals. Over 3,000 workers helped bring this architectural marvel to life using sandstone and marble, transported via a railway line built specifically for the project. The cost? A staggering ₹1.09 crore — an astronomical amount at the time.

Today, the palace is divided into three parts:
- The royal residence (still occupied by the family)
- The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- A luxury hotel, operated in partnership with the Taj Group
Princess Shivranjani Rajye: A Royal with a Modern Mission
Born into royalty, Princess Shivranjani Rajye is the eldest child of Maharaja Gaj Singh II and the sister of Yuvraj Shivraj Singh, the current prince of Jodhpur. Educated at the prestigious University of Cambridge in the UK, she studied Human Sciences but her real education came through experience and crisis.
Nearly two decades ago, when her brother met with a serious accident and the royal family faced financial setbacks, Shivranjani stepped into the arena not with fanfare, but with quiet determination. She focused on reviving the family’s heritage business, converting old palaces into luxury hotels and cultural hubs. One of her major achievements was facilitating the collaboration with the Taj Group, which helped transform a section of Umaid Bhawan into a world-renowned hotel and wedding venue.

Unmarried by Choice, Committed by Legacy
Unlike many of her royal peers, Princess Shivranjani chose a different path — remaining unmarried by choice, dedicating her life to upholding and growing her family’s legacy. Now in her 50s, she manages significant portions of the royal estate and continues to steer the business side of the heritage properties with her brother.
Her unassuming presence and simple lifestyle have surprised many who meet her. Despite being heir to a family worth ₹22,400 crore, she doesn’t chase the spotlight or live flamboyantly. She’s not a face of fashion columns or Page 3 — she’s a quiet force of continuity and responsibility.
The Royal Empire Today
The Jodhpur royal family’s empire, led by Maharaja Gaj Singh II, is vast and includes:
- Umaid Bhawan Palace (luxury hotel and royal residence)
- Bal Samand Lake Palace (heritage hotel)
- Sardar Samand Palace (lakeside retreat)
- A museum, polo grounds, and other cultural assets

While Yuvraj Shivraj Singh, an accomplished polo player, manages events and operations at Umaid Bhawan, Princess Shivranjani oversees strategy, development, and preservation. Together, they represent a modern face of Indian royalty rooted in tradition, yet progressive in approach.
A Palace Beyond Fairytales
Umaid Bhawan is not just a heritage site — it has become an aspirational wedding destination, famously hosting celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, as well as Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar. Its royal halls, lush gardens, grand dining rooms, library, swimming pool, and even a private golf course make it a timeless icon of regal India.
In a world obsessed with luxury and appearances, Princess Shivranjani Rajye’s story is a refreshing reminder that true royalty lies in purpose, responsibility, and grace. While her palace may be made of stone, her legacy is built on strength, simplicity, and an unwavering commitment to her roots.