Several members of India’s royal families have voiced strong objections to recent comments made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who referred to their ancestors as “pliant Maharajas” allegedly manipulated by the British East India Company. They labelled his remarks as misleading, unjust, and a misinterpretation of historical facts.
In an editorial published in a prominent newspaper, Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated that the East India Company’s control over India was achieved not just through economic dominance but also through alliances with certain Indian rulers.
He suggested that these rulers were pressured or incentivized by the Company, which ultimately led to India’s subjugation. “We lost our freedom not to another nation but to a monopolistic corporation,” he wrote, pointing to what he saw as the complicity of some rulers during that period.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, whose family once ruled the Gwalior region, was quick to respond. Scindia, now a senior leader within the government, denounced Gandhi’s portrayal, calling it disrespectful to India’s historical icons.
Scindia remarked, “If you truly want to uplift the nation, stop insulting Bharat Mata and recognize real heroes such as Mahadji Scindia, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit, Kittur Chennamma, and Rani Velu Nachiyar.”
He suggested that Gandhi’s words disregarded the sacrifices made by those who resisted colonial forces and highlighted that Gandhi’s perspective seemed more aligned with political agendas than with honouring India’s freedom fighters.
Similarly, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, a descendant of the royal family of Jaipur, took issue with Gandhi’s claims. Kumari, the granddaughter of Jaipur’s last ruling Maharaja, strongly defended the legacy of India’s royal families, emphasising their contributions to India’s unification.
In a statement, she expressed that the royal families’ sacrifices played a crucial role in building a united India and accused Gandhi of making baseless accusations based on incomplete historical knowledge. “The dream of an integrated India was possible only due to the sacrifice of the erstwhile royal families,” she asserted, calling Gandhi’s remarks “completely unacceptable.”
Other royal descendants have also responded. Chaitanya Raj Singh, from the family that once ruled Jaisalmer, dismissed Gandhi’s comments as inaccurate and insensitive. Singh pointed out that the royal families have long been respected for their service and commitment to protecting their regions and their people, and he affirmed that their legacy is deeply valued across India.
He noted that their values and dedication to “dharma” continue to be celebrated throughout the country, suggesting that the historical record shows far more complexity and loyalty than Gandhi’s comments might imply.
Vishvaraj Singh, a descendant of Maharana Pratap and current MLA from Nathdwara, also weighed in on the issue. Singh questioned whether Gandhi’s words were the result of a misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to misrepresent India’s royal legacy.
As a member of the royal family of Mewar—a lineage that has symbolised defiance against foreign rule through figures like Maharana Pratap—he expressed frustration with what he saw as an attempt to distort history. “Is it ignorance or intentional misrepresentation?” he asked, highlighting the importance of respecting historical narratives over broad generalisations.
The criticism from India’s royal descendants reflects deep discontent with Gandhi’s portrayal of their forebears. For these families, the remarks were seen as an affront to a legacy of valour and sacrifice.
Their responses emphasised the enduring respect held by local communities for these royal families and their historical role in the defence of Indian values and territories.
India’s history with the East India Company is complex, marked by both collaboration and resistance. Many rulers, like Maharana Pratap and others remembered for their bravery, resisted foreign forces even when their positions were at risk.
For those from India’s royal families, this legacy of defiance is something they continue to cherish and protect, making recent comments questioning their loyalty particularly painful.
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