Maharani Of Baroda Sparks Debate With Remarks On Abolition Of Privy Purses In India
Radhikaraje Gaekwad, ‘Maharani’ of the erstwhile princely state of Baroda was criticised for her remark on Indira Gandhi’s abolition of privy purses in India. Gaekwad recently appeared on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast where she made this controversial remark.
She said that when the privy purses were abolished in 1972, it became difficult for the royal families to run their homes.
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Gaekwad citing examples of her difficulties added that the royal families had to sacrifice significant things from their lives including the utensils made of gold and silver used for worshipping god, the throne, and their palaces had to be abandoned.
“They felt ashamed, and these things were sold for the price of a thread because you couldn’t sell them openly, you felt ashamed,” she said.
The Maharani of Baroda said that these items which are crafted in the country were sold outside and would never return.
Criticism poured in the comment box. Sarcastically one of the users posting the short clip of the video on X, wrote, “Such a horrible thing Indira Gandhi did. This struggle just broke my heart”.
While another added, “I’m getting negatively polarized into liking Indira Gandhi of all people because these royals are so vile”.
“New respect for Indira Gandhi,” a third user wrote.
“Privy purse received by Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda: 1949 to 1951: ₹13.4 lakhs per year 1951 to 1971: ₹23.33 lakhs per year Then one-time settlement of ₹1.05 crores was paid to the Gaekwad dynasty. Life is brutal for someone like her. Life is so unfair!” another wrote.
Such a horrible thing Indira Gandhi did. This struggle just broke my heart. pic.twitter.com/C79auemOuw
— Joy (@Joydas) July 26, 2024
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In 1971, Indira Gandhi abolished the privy purse saying it was incompatible with an egalitarian social order, and stripped princely state rulers of other privileges as well.
