The Rathore dynasty of Marwar (Jodhpur) is one of the most storied Rajput clans of north India, tracing its origin to the 13th century. Gaj Singh II, who became titular Maharaja in 1952 at the age of four following the tragic death of his father in a plane crash, has been the head of the family for over seven decades.
The Family's Roots: The Rathore Dynasty
The Rathores were founded by Rao Siha in 1226 and established the Kingdom of Marwar in the 14th century. Rao Jodha founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459. The dynasty ruled Marwar continuously until 1947.
Gaj Singh was born in Jodhpur on 13 January 1948.
His Father: Maharaja Hanwant Singh
Maharaja Hanwant Singh (16 June 1923 – 26 January 1952) was the last formally reigning Maharaja of Marwar. He died in a plane crash near Jodhpur on Republic Day 1952 at just twenty-eight years old.
His Mother: Maharani Krishna Kumari
Maharani Krishna Kumari (1926 – 2018) was the daughter of the Maharaja of Dhrangadhra. She served as Regent during Gaj Singh's minority years.
His Wife: Maharani Hemlata Rajye
Maharani Hemlata Rajye is from a Rajput princely family. She and Gaj Singh married in 1973.
Their Children
Gaj Singh and Hemlata Rajye have two children:
Princess Shivranjani Rajye Singh, born 1974 — daughter; married Kumar Vikramaditya Singh of Kashmir.
Yuvraj Shivraj Singh, born 30 September 1975 — heir apparent. He suffered a serious polo accident in 2005 that left him with significant brain injuries but has gradually recovered.
The Rathore Family Tree at a Glance
Dynasty: Rathore Rajputs of Marwar, founded 1226 by Rao Siha; Jodhpur founded 1459.
Parents: Maharaja Hanwant Singh (1923 – 1952); Maharani Krishna Kumari of Dhrangadhra (1926 – 2018).
Gaj Singh II: Born 13 January 1948; Cothill House, England; Eton College; Christ Church, Oxford (MA Politics, Philosophy and Economics); titular Maharaja from 26 January 1952.
Wife: Maharani Hemlata Rajye.
Children: Princess Shivranjani Rajye (b. 1974); Yuvraj Shivraj Singh (b. 30 September 1975).
What the Rathore Family Story Teaches Us
A father killed in a plane crash on Republic Day. A four-year-old who became titular Maharaja. A mother who served as Regent for the minor king. A son who survived a near-fatal polo accident. The Rathore family tree reaches back eight centuries.
For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Rathore story carries the same lesson. Sometimes the family's continuity is decided in a single day. The Republic Day 1952 plane crash reshaped the Jodhpur royal succession permanently. Write down the moments when your own family's direction changed in a single day.
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