Madhavrao Scindia: A Life

• Madhavrao Scindia was born into the former royal family of Gwalior but chose a very different path from the traditional image of an Indian prince. He entered public life and became an important figure in Indian politics, representing the people of Gwalior and Guna across nine elections.

  The biography examines his relationship with his mother, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, his association with the Congress, his political battles during the Emergency and the Narasimha Rao era, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

  The authors present Scindia not simply as a former royal, but as a politician whose life reflected many of the political and social changes of modern India.

• Vir Sanghvi is an Indian journalist, columnist, author and television presenter. He has written extensively on politics, society and food, and has served as editor of several major publications.

  Namita Bhandare is an Indian journalist and writer who has worked with leading newspapers and magazines. Her writing focuses particularly on politics, society and contemporary Indian affairs.

Madhavrao Scindia: A Life tells the story of a man born into royalty who deliberately embraced the life of a democratic citizen and politician. Madhavrao Scindia inherited a remarkable family legacy as the son of the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior, yet his political career was shaped by his own choices and convictions.

The book follows his rise in Indian politics, his electoral successes, his role in the Congress Party and his relationships with influential political figures. It also explores his complicated relationship with his mother, Vijayaraje Scindia, whose political loyalties were closely associated with the Jana Sangh.

Through Scindia's life, the authors provide a portrait of modern Indian politics, covering questions of democracy, political identity, family, privilege and public service. His sudden death brought an end to a distinctive political career, leaving behind a legacy that continues to attract interest.