Indian Royals Harness Heritage to Regain Influence

France 24 has reported that several former princely families in India are finding new avenues to exert influence by drawing on their historical legacy. After the abolition of princely titles in the 1970s, many royals turned to business, philanthropy, and cultural preservation to maintain relevance. Today, these families are increasingly involved in heritage tourism, cultural festivals, and charitable initiatives, using their ancestral estates as platforms for public engagement. The trend signals a shift from ceremonial roles to active participation in contemporary society, allowing the royals to shape public discourse and local development.