Maharani of Baroda trolled for saying royal families sold ‘gold utensils, thrones’ to survive

New Delhi: Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda recently faced online backlash after revealing that some Indian royal families, including her own, had to sell gold utensils and thrones to survive during financial difficulties. Her comments were part of a broader discussion on the historical and cultural significance of royal treasures, which she mentioned at an event.

This revelation sparked controversy as many found it hard to reconcile the image of royalty with financial struggles. Critics felt her statements were insensitive, especially considering the broader economic issues faced by many in India. However, Radhikaraje Gaekwad aimed to highlight the adaptive measures taken by royal families to preserve their heritage and sustain themselves through challenging times

Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda has faced significant ridicule after stating that royal families in India had to sell valuable items such as gold utensils and thrones to cope with financial hardships following the abolition of the privy purse. The privy purse, a payment made to royal families after India became a republic, was abolished in 1971, leaving many royals without a steady source of income. Gaekwad’s comments have been seen by some as out of touch, given the general economic struggles faced by many Indians.

While her intention was to highlight the historical adaptations royal families had to make, the backlash reflects a broader skepticism towards the perceived plight of former royals in a modern democratic society. Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda has recently faced considerable ridicule for her comments on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, where she suggested that royal families in India had to endure financial hardships after the abolition of the privy purse in 1971. The privy purse was a payment made to the former rulers of princely states, which was abolished as part of a broader effort to promote egalitarianism and reduce royal privileges. Gaekwad mentioned that after the abolition, it became challenging for royal families to maintain their households, leading some to sell off valuable items like gold utensils and throne. Her remarks did not garner much sympathy, as many viewed them as out of touch with the realities faced by the general population in India.

Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s comments about royal families selling off valuables to survive after the abolition of the privy purse sparked a significant backlash on social media. Many comments were highly critical, accusing royal families of historical injustices and collaboration with colonial powers.

One user expressed a common sentiment, saying, “I have read stories of families who had to sell daughters to make ends meet, but these people want us to feel sorry for not being able to sustain their lavish lifestyle.” Another user questioned the inclusion of thrones in Gaekwad’s list of items sold, highlighting the disparity with ordinary people’s struggles: “Did she really mention a throne among the list of things they had to sell? What about those who don’t have thrones to sell?”

Additionally, users like Sushmita pointed out the perceived historical injustices, stating, “All these royal families who remained unharmed until Independence were British loyalists. When people were dying of famine and drought, they still wanted all the luxury.”

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