Radhikaraje Gaekwad: Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of Baroda, has always been in the limelight — whether for her philanthropy, love for art, elegant sarees, or charitable initiatives. Radhikaraje Gaekwad is an expert in heritage conservation and a champion of textile revival. MillionaireAsia magazine featured her for her achievements. She belongs to the royal family of Wankaner State and married Maharaja Samarjitsinh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad. When it comes to people who embody a luxurious lifestyle while proudly showcasing traditional attire and food habits, Radhikaraje Gaekwad stands out as a perfect example. She was in Kolkata for an art show and couldn’t resist visiting the city’s iconic Pice Hotel, Tarun Niketan, along with the Journalist Kounteya Sinha.
Royal Food Preferences And Unique Eating Styles
While many assume that royal princesses have extravagant food preferences and unique dining styles, this time, she truly savoured an authentic Bengali thali. She visited Kolkata’s iconic Pice hotel Tarun Niketan. People consider Kolkata a paradise for fish lovers. In a reel shared by journalist Kounteya Sinha (@sinhakounteya), Radhikaraje Gaekwad enjoys a fish-heavy meal at Tarun Niketan. She has also mentioned that“It looks fab! I don’t know where to begin. And I have to help myself with my fingers because there’s no sign of any cutlery. Yes, exactly. You have to use your hands because, like they say, it tastes the best.”
About Tarun Niketan
This 108-year-old culinary landmark near Rashbehari Avenue is often hailed as the ‘Mecca of Taste’. Known as a ‘Pice Hotel’, the term dates back to the mid-1930s, when a full meal cost just one-sixteenth of a Rupee — or six paise. ‘Pice’ refers to an ‘Aana’ (Anna), a former unit of currency in undivided India. Kounteya Sinha explained in his post that these eateries follow dynamic pricing — they decide the cost of each dish every morning based on the market rates to ensure freshness. The flavours are authentic and old-school, capturing the true essence of traditional Bengali cuisine.
World’s Largest Private Residence
Samarjitsinh has been married to Radhikaraje since 2002. The couple has two daughters: Padmajaraje, who is studying for her A levels in the UK, and Narayaniraje, a Class 10 student. The family, including Samarjitsinh’s mother, Rajmata Shubhanginiraje, lives together in the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, India’s largest private residence. This magnificent home, a symbol of the Gaekwad heritage, is four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
How Big Is Lakshmi Vilas Palace?
According to various reports, The four-storey Lakshmi Vilas Palace spans 700 acres and boasts 170 rooms, all originally intended for the Maharaja and Maharani’s use. Renowned botanist Sir William Goldring envisioned and created the exquisite, meticulously designed gardens that surround the palace. British engineer Major Charles Mant, credited as the principal architect, designed the expansive palace. The estate also includes a large horse stable, a swimming pool, and a private golf course.
Even Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia, one of the most luxurious homes in Asia, pales in comparison to the grandeur of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The palace has a section open to tourists, with an entry fee of Rs. 150. For those wanting to explore the museum within, there is an additional charge of Rs 60. Interestingly, a red light is switched on whenever the Maharaja is present in the palace, signaling his presence.
