Jivajirao Scindia

Jivajirao Scindia Biography

Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia of the Scindia dynasty of the Marathas was the last reigning Maharaja of Gwalior state in central India. Later he was appointed as the governor of the erstwhile Madhya Bharat state of independent India. Jivajirao became Maharaja on 5 June 1925, succeeding his father Madho Rao Scindia upon his death.

He was married to Lekha Divyeshwari Devi of Rana family of Nepal and she formally took the name, Vijayaraje Scindia. After the death of Jivajirao in 1961, aged just 45, she entered active politics and was an active member of the Jana Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party for 4 decades. Their kids too, became prominent figures of Indian politics; particularly their son, Madhavrao Scindia who joined Indian National Congress against family’s wish. Their two daughters, Yashodhara Raje Scindia and Vasundhara Raje are prominent leaders of BJP. But their married life ended in divorces. The couple had too more daughters, Padmavatiraje 'Akkasaheb' Scindia and Usharaje Scindia who got married to Royal families and settled with family lives.

Jivajirao was a scion of the Scindia family and was born on 26 June 1916 to Madho Rao Scindia. Jivajirao became Maharaja on 5 June 1925, succeeding his father. He married Lekha Divyeshwari Devi on February 21, 1941. Jivajirao ruled Gwalior state as absolute monarch and a British vassal and after Indian independence, he lost his power. Jivajirao signed a covenant with the rulers of the adjoining princely states to form Madhya Bharat and it was ruled by Rajya Pramukh till 1956 when states were formed. Jivajirao became the first appointed governor of the state on 28 May 1948 and he served the position until October 31, 1956 when states were officially declared on November 1, 1956. After his death in 1961, Jivajirao's family remained involved in Indian politics.

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Updated: September 24, 2017