Radhikaraje Gaekwad slams ‘The Royals' for ignoring real Indian royal families

Time of India

7 days ago

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
Maharani
Radhikaraje Gaekwad
of Baroda has strongly criticised the series 'The Royals', calling out its false narrative and the way it sidelines the real struggles of India's royal families. As the show, starring Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, and Sakshi Tanwar, gears up for its second season, Radhikaraje took to Instagram to share her disappointment over how the series glosses over the historical sacrifices made by India's 565 princely states.
India, fought a 'bloodless war'
According to Radhikaraje, these royal families, who once controlled over 40% of India, fought a 'bloodless war' and gave up their lands, homes, and privileges to help build a united, democratic India. Quoting Sardar Patel, she described the merger as a peaceful revolution that marked an era of uncertainty for the royals, who sacrificed their centuries-old identities for the greater national cause.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
Twitter Can't Get Enough of Ishaan and Bhumi's Stellar Performance
Yet, the show reduces this rich and complex history to mere entertainment, focusing on glitzy portrayals of royal life in chiffons and pearls, rather than highlighting the profound sacrifices behind the glamour.
Radhikaraje didn't hold back in pointing out the lasting impact of the 1971 abolition of the Privy Purse. She wrote, 'We have no privileges or official titles in society, and yet we continue to maintain our name and heritage in our personal capacity, without government funding.' She added that India's royals come from diverse backgrounds — Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs, and Muslims — and many have emerged as leading hoteliers, wildlife conservationists, bureaucrats, army officers, and educationists.
'Our families have been maintaining charitable hospitals, schools, and colleges set up by our forefathers,' she emphasized. Despite lacking official status, these families still hold the affection and respect of their people, often addressed as 'Bapji, Bapu, Daata, or Maa Saheb.'
Young Royals Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Radhikaraje concluded her post by spotlighting the next generation. 'The young royals are too returning to their roots, armed with degrees from universities around the world. They proudly straddle the two worlds, speak their mother tongue, wear their turbans, but work to make their heritage sustainable, relatable, and accessible.'