The Laxmi Vilas Palace, situated in Gujarat, India, is often hailed as the world’s largest private residence, overshadowing even the iconic Buckingham Palace in the UK. This grand palace is owned by the Gaekwad family of Baroda, who were the erstwhile rulers of the region and still command immense respect among the people of Baroda. The current head of the Gaekwad family is HRH Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, who is married to Radhikaraje Gaekwad from the Wankaner royal family.
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According to Housing.com, Laxmi Vilas Palace boasts an enormous area of 3,04,92,000 square feet, significantly larger than Buckingham Palace, which covers 8,28,821 square feet. In comparison, Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia, known as the most expensive residence globally with an estimated value of ₹15,000 crore, spans just 48,780 square feet. The Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, features over 170 rooms and was constructed at a cost of approximately GBP 180,000.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad, born on July 19, 1978, is the daughter of Dr. MK Ranjitsinh Jhala, the first member of the royal family to relinquish his title and pursue a career as an IAS officer. Radhikaraje completed her Master’s degree at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, and worked as a journalist before marrying Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad in 2002. The marriage has further cemented the connection between the historic Gaekwad family and the Wankaner royals
