From warriors to patrons: The Scindia dynasty's journey

The Scindia (Shinde) dynasty's journey from humble Maratha origins to becoming one of India's most prominent princely families illustrates how pragmatic politics and cultural inclusivity can coexist.

- TDG NETWORK

Ranoji Rao Scindia, who founded the dynasty, rose from the village of Kanherkhed to be entrusted by the Peshwas with governance of the Malwa region in 1726. By the time of his death in 1750, he had established Ujjain as the family's capital and laid the groundwork for a new Maratha power.

His successor Mahadji Scindia expanded their influence exponentially. Between 1761 and 1794, Mahadji built a north-Indian empire virtually independent of the Peshwas. He defeated Rajput rulers and took the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II under his protection, even becoming the de facto ruler of Delhi when the emperor lost his sight. Though Mahadji's nephew Daulat Rao later surrendered important territories to the British and became their client, the Scindias continued to govern Gwalior as a princely state until 1947.