The Mysore royal family current generation centers around Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who became the 27th titular Maharaja through adoption in 2015 after Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar died childless. The adoption ceremony at Amba Vilas Palace saw 5,000 guests, with priests performing 11-hour rituals transferring dynasty rights to the 23-year-old economics graduate from Boston University, whose grandfather was cousin to the previous maharaja.
The Current Maharaja Yaduveer
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, born Yaduveer Gopalraj Urs on March 24, 1992, wasn’t raised for royalty. His childhood in Bangalore’s Sadashivanagar involved regular schooling at Canadian International School, cricket at BEL grounds, and family visits to ancestral Dundigal property. The call to become maharaja came unexpectedly when Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, widow of Srikantadatta, chose him from several eligible Urs family branches.
His education at Boston University (2011-2014) in Economics and English Literature prepared him differently than traditional royal training. Classmates remember him as “Yadu” who played guitar, supported Red Sox, and worked part-time at university library. The transition to maharaja required learning palace protocols, Sanskrit prayers, and administrative responsibilities managing 400 crore worth properties.
Marriage to Trishika Kumari Singh of Dungarpur royal family in 2016 strengthened royal alliances. The 15 crore wedding at Mysore Palace saw 30 royal families attending, 1,000 special guests, and 50,000 public witnesses. Trishika, resource management graduate from Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University, now manages palace heritage conservation projects.
Their son, Aadyaveer Narasimharaja Wadiyar, born December 2017, represents the next generation. The naming ceremony followed 500-year-old traditions with gold inscribed on rice, tiger claw blessing, and elephant salute. At age 7, he’s learning Kannada, Sanskrit, horse riding, and palace history from private tutors.
Pramoda Devi – The Rajmata
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, widow of late Srikantadatta, holds significant influence as Rajmata (Queen Mother). Her 1974 marriage into royal family from Ursu family of Hassan brought modern perspectives. After husband’s death in 2013, she fought legal battles for property rights, winning Supreme Court verdict recognizing her position.
Her decision to adopt Yaduveer followed traditional consultation with palace priests, family elders, and legal advisors. The adoption deed, registered at sub-registrar office, transfers ceremonial rights but property disputes continue. She maintains private quarters at Mysore Palace, managing personal estates worth 100 crores separately.
Daily routine involves temple visits at 6 AM, administrative meetings at palace office, and cultural event planning. Her patronage supports 15 classical musicians, 8 traditional artists, and funds 20 student scholarships annually. The Pramoda Devi Foundation, established 2014, focuses on women’s education and heritage crafts preservation.
Royal Properties and Wealth
The family controls properties worth estimated 400-500 crores, though exact valuations remain private. Mysore Palace, owned by government but maintained by royals, generates 80 crores annually through tickets. The family receives percentage for private durbar hall usage and special occasions.
Private properties include: Bangalore Palace (30,000 sq ft on 45 acres), Lokaranjan Mahal, Rajendra Vilas atop Chamundi Hills, Chittaranjan Mahal, and agricultural lands spanning 3,000 acres across Karnataka. Recent Supreme Court judgments favored family claims over several disputed properties worth 200 crores.
Business interests include Palace Wedding Planners (25 crore annual revenue), heritage hotel partnerships, and art exhibition rentals. The royal trust manages investments in stocks, bonds, and fixed deposits worth undisclosed amounts. Annual income from all sources estimated at 50-60 crores.
Private Durbar and Dasara Role
Though India abolished royal titles in 1971, Mysore royals conduct private durbar during Dasara. The Khasigi (private) durbar at palace’s Kannadi Thotti sees Yaduveer ascending golden throne (kept in government custody, released for occasion). 500 special invitees witness ceremonies unchanged since 1610.
The nine-day celebration costs 3 crores, privately funded. Day one: Ganapati puja and throne worship. Days 2-8: Various religious ceremonies, cultural programs, and charity distributions. Day nine: Mahanavami with weapons worship. Day ten: Vijayadashami with golden howdah elephant blessing.
Government coordinates with royals for state Dasara. Yaduveer performs inaugural puja, leads Banni tree worship, and completes traditional Vijayadashami procession rituals. This public-private partnership maintains historical continuity while respecting democratic principles. The family’s 10 lakh annual Dasara donation supports festivities.
Current Royal Family Structure
Immediate family includes: Yaduveer (Maharaja), Trishika Kumari (Maharani), Aadyaveer (Crown Prince), and Pramoda Devi (Rajmata). Extended family comprises various Urs branches – some recognized in succession, others distant relatives. The Kanteerava Narasaraja Urs family (Yaduveer’s original family) gained prominence through adoption.
Princess Kamakshi Devi, Srikantadatta’s sister, maintains separate establishment at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion. Her daughters married into business families, choosing non-royal alliances. Relations remain cordial but distant, reflecting modern nuclear family trends even in royalty.
Succession follows male primogeniture through adoption when necessary. The succession certificate filed at palace office lists eligible Urs family males. Future adoptions require family council approval, priest consultation, and legal documentation. Modern legal frameworks now govern what tradition previously dictated.
Modern Adaptations and Challenges
Balancing tradition with modernity challenges the current generation. Yaduveer uses Instagram (@hh_yaduveer) sharing palace life, reaching 100K followers. Traditional priests disapprove, but younger supporters appreciate accessibility. The maharaja wears suits for business meetings, traditional panche during rituals – code-switching between worlds.
Financial pressures mount with palace maintenance costing 5 crores annually, staff salaries 2 crores, and ceremonial expenses 3 crores. Government grants stopped post-1971. Revenue generation through heritage tourism, venue rentals, and merchandise becomes essential. The family launched Palace Collection – silverware, paintings, textiles – generating 2 crores yearly.
Legal battles continue over properties worth 300 crores. Government claims over Bangalore Palace portions, tax disputes on heritage properties, and family succession challenges drain resources. Legal fees alone cost 50 lakhs annually. Modern laws clash with traditional succession, creating unprecedented situations.
Cultural Patronage Continues
Despite financial constraints, cultural patronage continues. The palace employs 12 classical musicians, 8 dancers, 5 Sanskrit scholars, and 3 traditional painters permanently. Monthly cultural programs at palace draw 500 attendees. Annual music festival during Dasara features 50 artists over nine days.
Yaduveer personally funds 10 Kannada literature awards (1 lakh each), 20 student scholarships (50,000 each), and supports 5 traditional craft guilds. The palace library with 35,000 books and 10,000 manuscripts opens for researchers. Digital archival project, costing 2 crores, preserves royal documents.
Traditional sports patronage includes sponsoring Mysore Race Club events, annual wrestling competition (5 lakh prizes), and elephant training at Dubare camp. The maharaja plays polo, maintaining family tradition since 1892. Palace grounds host cricket matches raising 10 lakhs for charity annually.
International Royal Connections
Mysore royals maintain relationships with global royal families. Yaduveer attended British royal weddings, Thai coronation, and Bhutanese royal ceremonies. These connections facilitate cultural exchanges and tourism partnerships. The maharaja speaks at international heritage conferences, representing Indian royal traditions.
Sister city relationships with Cincinnati (USA) and Klagenfurt (Austria) involve royal family participation. Student exchange programs, cultural festivals, and business delegations strengthen ties. The family’s soft power diplomacy benefits Mysore’s international profile.
Marriage alliances continue connecting Indian royal families. Recent engagements link Mysore with Mewar, Jodhpur, and Travancore royals. These relationships, though ceremonial, maintain historical networks influencing business and cultural spheres.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Young Aadyaveer’s education will determine future direction. Current plans include Scindia School followed by international university. Balancing Western education with traditional training challenges royal parents. Learning to rule without ruling defines modern maharajas.
Succession clarity requires legal documentation preventing future disputes. Creating transparent trust structures, documenting property ownership, and establishing clear succession protocols occupies legal teams. Modern corporate governance applies to ancient institutions.
Tourism potential remains underexploited. Plans for palace museum expansion, heritage walks, and royal experience packages await government approvals. Public-private partnerships could generate 100 crores annually while preserving heritage. The family’s vision balances commercial viability with cultural dignity.
For royal heritage tours, visit our palace tour guide. The Official Palace website provides historical information and visiting details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Maharaja of Mysore?
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, adopted in 2015, serves as 27th titular Maharaja. Born 1992, married to Trishika Kumari, father to Aadyaveer. Though titles lack official recognition since 1971, ceremonial and cultural roles continue.
How wealthy is the Mysore royal family?
Estimated 400-500 crores in properties, generating 50-60 crores annually. Holdings include palaces, agricultural lands, investments. Exact figures remain private. Government owns Mysore Palace but family manages certain sections.
Can public meet the royal family?
Limited public access during Dasara durbar and special occasions. Private audiences require formal requests through palace office. Public can view family during Dasara processions and temple visits. No regular public meetings scheduled.
Does the royal family still live in Mysore Palace?
Yes, private quarters within palace complex remain family residence. Main palace areas function as museum. Royal family occupies specific wings with separate entrances. Government owns building but recognizes residential rights.
What happens if current maharaja has no male heir?
Adoption from eligible Urs family branches continues tradition. Specific families listed in succession documents. Legal adoption process ensures continuity. Female succession traditionally excluded but modern legal challenges possible.
Published: August 2025 | Private durbar during Dasara only