Ranjitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad


Ranjitsinhrao Gaekwad was an Indian politician and the titular Maharaja of Baroda from 1988 until his death in 2012.

Early life and education

Born 8 May 1938 at Ootacamund, Ranjitsinhrao Gaekwad was the second son of Maharaja Pratap Singh Rao Gaekwad, and Maharani Shantadevi Gaekwad, daughter of Sardar Hausrkar Mansinhrao Subbarao of Hasur in Kolhapur. Her daughter, Mrunalini Devi Puar was the Chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He also obtained post graduate degree in fine arts from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
He was the younger brother of Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad, who was the titular Maharaja of Baroda from 1951 to 1971. In the 26th amendment to the Constitution of India promulgated in 1971, the Government of India abolished all official symbols of princely India, including titles, privileges, and remuneration.

Death

Ranjitsinh Gaekwad died at 12:15 a.m. 10 May 2012 at Baroda, Vadodara, India.

Career

Gaekwad was a member of the Lok Sabha and served two terms as an MP, from 1980-89. He became the Maharaja of Baroda on the death of his elder brother on 1 September 1988. Ranjitsinhrao Gaekwad was also a well-known painter.