Meet Shivranjani Rajye, brain Umaid Bhawan’s Luxury, Mehrangarh fort restoration, her father is…, she has studied from…

Beyond business, Shivranjani Rajye is passionate about promoting women’s polo in India. She owns the Jodhpur Girls’ Polo team and is working to change perceptions about women in the sport.

Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of India’s most remarkable royal landmarks. This grand structure, made from Chittar sandstone, was completed in 1944 and witnessed by many members of Indian royal families.

Although several palaces were built during India’s princely era, not all have maintained their grandeur. After India’s independence, the rulers lost their official status, land, and financial privileges, especially after the abolition of privy purses in 1971. However, Umaid Bhawan Palace has continued to flourish. Today, part of it functions as a luxury hotel managed by Taj Hotels, while the rest remains the royal residence of Maharaja Gaj Singh II. With 347 rooms, it is also considered one of the world’s largest and most opulent private homes. The palace was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh of the Marwar-Rathore dynasty.

A key figure behind the success of Umaid Bhawan Palace is Shivranjani Rajye, the eldest daughter of Gaj Singh II. Educated at Cambridge, she took charge of the family’s businesses after her brother, Shivraj Singh, suffered a serious polo accident in 2005 that left him in a coma for months. Since then, he has maintained a low profile.

Under Shivranjani’s leadership, the royal assets have been transformed into thriving enterprises. She not only manages Umaid Bhawan Palace but has also played a vital role in the restoration and cultural preservation of Mehrangarh Fort. The palace has earned numerous awards and has been the venue for high-profile events, including the wedding of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

Beyond business, Shivranjani Rajye is passionate about promoting women’s polo in India. She owns the Jodhpur Girls’ Polo team and is working to change perceptions about women in the sport.