A modern maharaja: blending tradition and progress. His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the 303rd Maharaja of Jaipur, is a captivating blend of heritage and
modernity. While he embodies the age-old traditions of his royal lineage, he pairs it with a modern approach to governance, business, and philanthropy. This fusion of the past with the present is evident in his initiatives that strive to make Jaipur a beacon of royal luxury, even in the modern era.

His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the 303rd Maharaja of Jaipur, is a fascinating amalgamation of old and new. He embodies the age-old traditions of his royal lineage while adopting a modern approach to governance, philanthropy, and indeed, life itself. “I view my role as a bridge between the rich traditions of our past and the promising possibilities of our future. I derive inspiration from my great-grandfather, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, who was himself a far-sighted leader,” says the Maharaja.
Popularly known as ‘Pacho’ among his circle of friends, Sawai Padmanabh Singh holds the distinction of being the youngest polo player ever to captain an Indian team. His leadership has graced polo fields in diverse locations such as Iran, Sydney, and South Africa during the XI and XII FIP World Polo Championships in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

Embarking on his competitive polo journey in England in 2015 at the esteemed Guards Polo Club. Since that time, he has amassed an astounding collection of more than 80 titles across various polo tournaments, a testament to both his immense talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. Not to mention, the numerous ‘Most Valuable Player’ awards he has received in a variety of tournaments and seasons across the wide global polo circuit.

Sawai Padmanabh Singh proudly traces his polo lineage to his great-grandfather, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, and his grandfather, Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh, both of whom played instrumental roles in elevating India’s standing in international polo. His father, Maharaj Narendra Singh, currently serves as the Ambassador of the Federation of International Polo (FIP), further enriching his pedigree and mentorship in the sport.
“As a member of a family whose history is deeply intertwined with the sport of polo, I am incredibly fortunate to have been born into such a rich heritage and to have had such experienced mentors guiding me,” remarks the charismatic Maharaja.
But his impact on polo extends beyond individual accolades. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh is not just a formidable force on the polo field; he is also actively shaping the sport’s future in India. To that end, the Sawai Man Singh Polo Academy, founded by Sawai Padmanabh in Jaipur, is an endeavour aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging talent. This academy provides the resources and platform for the young and aspiring polo players to reach their potential.

Padmanabh is committed to the upliftment of women and the youth of the country. He collaborates with various charitable organisations and also spearheads his own initiative, which provides scholarships and vocational training specifically for underprivileged women and children.
On the topic of empowerment, his philosophy is unambiguous. “I am convinced that the youth and women serve as the bedrock of any society. Their progress directly correlates with the advancement of the nation, and I am committed to facilitating opportunities for them,” he articulates.

“In a rapidly changing world, I find it imperative to adapt,” he says. Modern conveniences like technology and global connections are embraced, but not at the expense of rich cultural legacies. His management style, whether in managing the family’s expansive estate or forging partnerships with leading brands, showcases this seamless blend. He believes that India’s unique position lies in this harmonious confluence of the old and the new.
“The future of India shines brightly. Our youth bring a unique and invaluable viewpoint to the table, one rooted in respect — for each other, for nature, and for our shared history,” he observes. He actively engages in dialogue with young entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and social workers, often leveraging his influence to bring attention to worthy causes.
His wisdom and sense of duty are influenced by his family’s legacy, particularly the teachings of his maternal grandmother Rajmata Padmini Devi. “She played a pivotal role in ensuring my upbringing was rooted in discipline and values. Her guidance has been invaluable in shaping my character,” he notes.
Furthermore, his mother, Princess Diya Kumari, serves as an active figure in Indian politics, and her unwavering commitment has inspired not only him but also his siblings: Rajkumari Gauravi Kumari and Maharaja Lakshraj Prakash Singh of Sirmour. Working in conjunction with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF), which uplifts women and girls from impoverished backgrounds facing cultural, gender, and economic barriers, Padmanabh is also focused on community building.
“I am passionate about projects on skill building to create sustainable livelihoods; promote heritage crafts and facilitate community health programs. I encourage sponsorship of underprivileged girls through scholarships, digital literacy, and academic assistance.”

Under his guidance, the City Palace Foundation conducts specialised skill-building workshops, academic scholarships, and vocational training courses, primarily targeting women and young people. Among the initiative’s groundbreaking projects is a program that offers free coding classes to young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to furnish them with skills indispensable in today’s digital landscape.
THE BUSINESS SAVANT: SUSTAINING A LEGACY
At a young age, the Maharaja has already made a lasting impact on the estate’s business ventures, particularly in the realms of hospitality and tourism. “Managing a large estate goes beyond mere numbers; it’s equally about people, culture, and legacy,” he emphasises. Through strategic partnerships with renowned brands in hospitality and apparel, he has not only boosted revenue but also transformed Jaipur into an irresistible destination for authentic royal luxury.
His entrepreneurial spirit is not confined to traditional businesses. For instance, he led the revival of the Jaipur Team in polo — a decision motivated not only by emotion but also by a sound business foundation. “The honour of wearing the same jersey as Sawai Man Singh is unparalleled. However, I understand that being competitive in polo requires more than just skill and courage; it also needs a well-planned business model, an army of horses, and a committed team. We’ve struck a harmonious balance between sports, emotion, and business,” says the Maharaja.

Under his direction, the revitalisation of forts and museums has gained momentum. The City Palace Museum has seen a resurgence in historical preservation and community involvement. “This isn’t just about bricks and stones—it’s about the soul of the place and its people”, states the Maharaja, hinting at the larger picture of showcasing Jaipur, both nationally and internationally, as a historical yet modern city.

The Palaces and Museums are not merely historical sites but are also evolving to meet modern demands. Whether it’s offering personalised tours, hosting exhibitions and events, or even listing a luxurious suite at the Palace on Airbnb for a record sum, these initiatives demonstrate the Maharaja’s adeptness at balancing business, sustainability, and legacy.

When asked about the future of India, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh reflects, “We are at a transformative juncture. Our young population offers a unique blend of deep-rooted values and an understanding of a changing world. With the right opportunities and knowledge, our young people have the drive to turn India into a leading global economy.”

“We are a nation with a large young population and a history that spans thousands of years. It’s an exhilarating time,” the Maharaja adds. He believes that the rising stature of the country, coupled with renewed enthusiasm among its citizens, will further steer India in the right direction.
Pacho, who considers himself fortunate to have travelled extensively, appreciates the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of cultures and business environments. “I’ve been lucky to gain perspective on how the world is changing and how business values are also aligning globally. There’s much that India can offer the world, and equally, there’s much we can learn from other countries,” he observes.

“I have immense confidence in the ingenuity and resilience of our youth,” he affirms. For him, the next chapter in India’s story will be defined not just by economic growth, but also by advancements in the social and cultural sectors.

As you depart the grandeur of the City Palace, it’s not just the opulence that leaves a lasting impression. What lingers is the foresight and commitment of a young Maharaja who is shaping not only a dynasty but also a brighter future for his community. With a sense of duty that transcends mere titles, and a focus on social and cultural stewardship, His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh is truly leaving an indelible mark on both his heritage and his nation.

By By Ankur Mishra