Information Title : Maharaja Race : Maratha Religion : Hindu Size : 26,382 square miles Gun Salute : 21

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This dynasty was founded by Ranuji Scindia, who was employed by the Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao to command a force. The Scindia family was alloted an area surrounding the town of Gwalior. The Scindias held command of the great Gwalior fort. After the death of Ranuji Scindia several of his sons ran the affairs of the family. After the Battle of Panipat with the Afghan Ahmad Shah Abdali only one son survived. Mahadji Scindia was rescued from the bodies left on the battlefield of Panipat by a Pathan water carrier named Rane Khan. Mahadji was severly injured but with the help of Rane Khan he was saved after extensive treatment. Mahadji Scindia thereafter treated Rane Khan as his brother. After this setback Mahadji reorganised his forces along European lines and he became the most powerful figure in all of India. Mahadji was one of the greatest patriots of the time and he rescued the Mughal Emperor from the British and placed him on the throne of Delhi. Mahadji Scindia defeated the British in many battles and his name became a household name across India. Mahadji Scindia died in 1794 at Poona and his adopted son Daulat Rao Scindia succeeded him. Daulat Rao Scindia was very inexperienced and was unable to continue the marvelous path of his predecessor, he was defeated by the British due to his French general Perron proving traitor. The British reduced the holding of the Scindhia an and thereafer the family funtioned as the other Princely States.

Jayaji Rao Scindhia in the late 1800's built a marvelous palace known as Jai Villas which still exists in Gwalior and currently functions as a home to the current Scindhia Maharaja and part of it is a museum.

The current Maharaja Madhav Scindhia is a leading member of the Indian congress party. His mother the Rajmata is a leading member of the BJP party.

Ranoji Scindia, 1726-1745
Jayappa Scindia, 1745-1755
Jankoji (I) Scindia, 1755-1761
Mahadji Scindia 1761-1794
Maharaja Daulat Rao Scindia, 1794-1827
Maharaja Jankoji Rao Scindia, 1827-1843
Maharaja Jayavi Rao 1843-1886.
Maharaja Sir Madhav Rao Scindia, 1886-1925, °1875
Maharaja Sir George Jiwaji Rao Scindia Alijah Bahadur 1925-1961
Maharaja Madhav (III) Rao Scindia, 1961 - Present