Centuries-old legacy of grandeur still standing as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Rajasthan, the royal family of Jaipur has lent a lot to the state's identity that could not be separated from its history, of course. Enchanted palaces and forts amidst the vibrant streets of the "Pink City" reveal the tales of valor and regal splendor to attract visitors from all over the globe.
At the core of this legacy is a young scion, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, who effortlessly amalgamates tradition with a modern flair. Officially, all royal titles exist no more in India, but for all practical purposes, Padmanabh, now 26 years old, insists on carrying on the unofficial legacy of the Jaipur throne. He was crowned as the Maharaja at a mere 12 years of age after the death of his grandfather. Until now, it had been one of heritage and contemporary reinvention.
Born to the politician Diya Kumari and Narendra Singh, on 2nd July 1998, in Delhi, Padmanabh's future was already ordained to be steeped in privilege and responsibility. His early education in Mayo College of India and Millfield in England laid a rock foundation in the future of this young polo enthusiast. A promising competitive career for him began in 2015, soon carving out a niche in the international circuit, even captaining the Indian National Team on an historic tour of Hurlingham Park in 2017. The sport runs through his veins, and he's well placed to emulate achievements of his grandfather, who led the last successful Indian polo tour of the UK.
Off the polo field, Padmanabh is winning hearts across the world for his style and charm. This fashion aficionado steps on the runways of the world, donning traditional royal charm mixed in with a slice of modernism. It wasn't, therefore, surprising that he made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2018, as he continues making an impact far from the courts of royalty.
A lover of art and culture, Padmanabh pursued his liberal arts studies with a history-of-arts degree. He is interested in preserving Jaipur's cultural heritage at each stage. In the ventures like opening up to City Palace tourists through Airbnb, he ensures the royal lifestyle is not redundant, but it also goes to various philanthropic causes that include his mother's, which is an institution that supports rural women in Rajasthan.
Today, Padmanabh Singh stands as an energetic icon, connecting the regal glory of Jaipur with the modern vision. For instance, his keenness in polo, fashion, and culture ensures the legacy of the royal house of Jaipur continues to create ripples in the modern world.
