Vasundhara Raje Scindia is a towering figure in Indian politics, renowned as the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born into the illustrious Scindia royal family of Gwalior, her life has been a blend of privilege, power, and public service. Yet, one question that often surfaces among those exploring her personal life is, "Who is the husband of Vasundhara Raje Scindia?" The answer lies in the lesser-known figure of Maharaj Rana Hemant Singh, a member of the Dholpur royal family. This article delves into the identity of Hemant Singh, their short-lived marriage, its aftermath, and how it connects to Vasundhara Raje’s remarkable journey.
Vasundhara Raje Scindia: A Brief Overview
Before diving into her marital history, it’s essential to understand who Vasundhara Raje Scindia is. Born on March 8, 1953, in Bombay (now Mumbai), she is the daughter of Vijayaraje Scindia and Jivajirao Scindia, the last Maharaja of Gwalior. Her mother was a key figure in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (predecessor to the BJP), while her siblings, including the late Madhavrao Scindia and Yashodhara Raje Scindia, also entered politics. Vasundhara’s education at Presentation Convent in Kodaikanal and Sophia College, Mumbai, where she earned degrees in Economics and Political Science, equipped her for a career that began in 1984 with the BJP.
Her political ascent saw her serve as Rajasthan’s Chief Minister twice (2003–2008 and 2013–2018), earning accolades for infrastructure development and social initiatives. Yet, her personal life, particularly her marriage to Hemant Singh, remains a point of curiosity, often overshadowed by her public achievements.
Who is Hemant Singh, the Husband of Vasundhara Raje Scindia?
Hemant Singh, formally titled Maharaj Rana Hemant Singh, was born on January 5, 1951, into the Jat royal family of Dholpur, Rajasthan. His lineage traces back to the Bamraulia clan, a prominent Rajput-Jat dynasty that ruled Dholpur State until India’s princely states were abolished in 1971. Hemant was the second son of Maharaja Pratap Singh Nabha and Maharani Urmila Devi. At the tender age of three, following the death of his maternal grandfather, Rana Udaybhanu Singh of Dholpur, he was adopted by his grandmother as the heir to the Dholpur throne—a move that shifted his life from Nabha, Punjab, to Rajasthan.
Educated at the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun and later at Hindu College, Delhi University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts in 1971, Hemant Singh carried the weight of royal heritage in a post-royal India. He became the last titular Maharaj Rana of Dholpur from 1954 until 1971, when privy purses and royal titles were officially discontinued by the Indian government under Indira Gandhi’s administration. His life bridged the fading era of monarchy and the modern democratic landscape, a context that framed his brief union with Vasundhara Raje.
The Marriage: A Royal Union That Didn’t Last
Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Hemant Singh married on November 17, 1972, in a ceremony that united two prominent royal families—the Scindias of Gwalior and the Bamraulias of Dholpur. At 19, Vasundhara was a young woman stepping into a new phase of life, while Hemant, at 21, was the heir to Dholpur’s legacy. The wedding was a traditional affair, likely steeped in Rajput and Maratha customs, though details remain sparse due to the couple’s preference for privacy and the era’s limited media coverage of personal events.
The marriage, however, was short-lived. Within a year, by 1973, the couple separated, marking the end of their union after the birth of their only child, Dushyant Singh, in 1973. Reports suggest the relationship soured soon after Dushyant’s arrival, though the exact reasons remain undisclosed. Some accounts hint at irreconcilable differences, while others speculate that the pressures of transitioning from royal privilege to a rapidly changing India may have played a role. The marriage was reportedly annulled by a court, though Vasundhara contested this decree, possibly to retain her title as “Maharani” and its associated legal rights, a move that stirred debate during her political career.
Hemant Singh After the Separation
Following the separation, Hemant Singh faded from public prominence, living a relatively low-profile life compared to Vasundhara’s high-octane political journey. He remained in Dholpur, tied to the family’s heritage, including the contentious Dholpur Palace, which later became a point of legal and political dispute. Hemant Singh passed away on November 15, 2015, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy tied to his royal roots rather than public achievements. His death marked the end of an era for Dholpur’s titular royalty, survived by his son, Dushyant Singh, who inherited the family’s political mantle.
Dushyant Singh: The Legacy of Vasundhara and Hemant
The sole offspring of Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Hemant Singh, Dushyant Singh, was born in 1973, shortly before their separation. Raised primarily by his mother, Dushyant followed her into politics, joining the BJP and representing the Jhalawar-Baran constituency in Rajasthan as a Member of Parliament since 2004. As of 2025, he is a five-time MP, carrying forward the family’s influence in Rajasthan politics. His relationship with his father reportedly strained over time, with disputes over Dholpur properties surfacing in public discourse, notably during Vasundhara’s tenure as Chief Minister.
Dushyant’s success contrasts with Hemant Singh’s retreat from the limelight, highlighting how Vasundhara shaped their son’s path while navigating her own career. The Dholpur Palace controversy, where ownership was debated between the state government and the family, further underscored the complex legacy Hemant left behind.
Why Did Vasundhara Raje and Hemant Singh Separate?
The precise reasons for Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Hemant Singh’s separation remain speculative due to their private nature. Some sources suggest personal incompatibility, a common strain in arranged royal marriages of the time. Others point to the challenges of aligning two strong royal identities in an era when princely powers were waning. Vasundhara’s burgeoning political ambitions, which took off in 1984, may have clashed with Hemant’s quieter existence, though this is conjecture given her political entry came a decade after their split.
The brevity of their marriage—one year—stands out, especially given Vasundhara’s subsequent decision to remain unmarried. In a 2022 ABP Live article listing female politicians who never remarried post-divorce, Vasundhara’s choice was noted as a reflection of her focus on career and independence, a trait mirrored by figures like Jaya Prada.
Vasundhara Raje’s Life Post-Separation
After parting ways with Hemant Singh, Vasundhara Raje Scindia channeled her energy into politics, entering the BJP in 1984 and winning the Dholpur Assembly seat in 1985. Her marriage to Hemant had deepened her ties to Rajasthan, a connection she leveraged in her campaigns, often highlighting her link to the Dholpur royal family despite their estrangement. She rose to prominence as Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, earning the United Nations’ “Women Together Award” in 2007 for her empowerment initiatives.
Her personal life, however, remained discreet. The separation from Hemant Singh and her decision not to remarry positioned her as a self-reliant figure, defying traditional expectations for women of her stature. This independence bolstered her image as a “Maharani-turned-leader,” a narrative that resonated with Rajasthan’s electorate.
Public Curiosity: Why the Interest in Her Husband?
Searches for “Vasundhara Raje Scindia husband” reflect public fascination with her personal story, often overshadowed by her political persona. Her royal lineage, combined with a brief marriage to another royal, adds intrigue to her profile. The Dholpur Palace controversy during her 2013–2018 tenure, where opposition parties questioned her family’s claim to the property, reignited interest in Hemant Singh, despite his death in 2015. Media outlets like Deccan Herald and Bhaskar covered these disputes, spotlighting her estranged husband’s role in her narrative.
Hemant Singh’s Legacy and Vasundhara’s Connection
Hemant Singh’s legacy is intertwined with Vasundhara’s through their son and the Dholpur heritage. While he lived quietly post-separation, his royal title and properties remained symbolic of a bygone era. Vasundhara’s continued association with Dholpur, both politically and personally, keeps Hemant’s name relevant, even if indirectly. Her son Dushyant’s status as the “Yuvraj of Dholpur” further ties her to Hemant’s lineage, blending royal nostalgia with modern governance.
Conclusion: A Marriage That Shaped a Leader
So, who is the husband of Vasundhara Raje Scindia? Hemant Singh, the last Maharaj Rana of Dholpur, was a fleeting yet formative part of her life. Their 1972 marriage, though brief, connected her to Rajasthan’s soil and produced Dushyant Singh, a key figure in her political dynasty. While Hemant retreated into obscurity, Vasundhara soared, turning personal challenges into a springboard for public service.
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