Jaipur, the city, and Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the royal citizen share a bond so unique and profound that it’s hard to imagine one without the other. This bond, steeped in history and culture, is a fascinating tale we are about to unfold.
There is no doubt that the culture and heritage of Rajput royalty have the power to influence a city like Jaipur’s branding, enabling it to establish a physical, economic and creative presence in the world. However, this raises an important question: Who adds the emotional value to the city brand?
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Let’s turn back the clock because the tugging of the heart started long ago. It involves a child who was four years old, affectionately known as Pacho, a term of endearment coined by his grandmother.
Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh wearing jacket, trousers, both by rkivecity, Santos Dumont watch and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, both by Cartier, loafers by Christian LouboutinPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Imagine a grand royal adoption ceremony at the iconic City Palace of Jaipur. The ancient, intricate walls echo with Vedic chants as a procession of Rajputana royalty, dressed in imperial attire, along with political leaders and the elite of society, gathers to witness Padmanabh Singh being adopted as the next heir to the Jaipur throne. He is only four years old. The destinies of Singh and Jaipur were forever intertwined by the winds of the Thar Desert and the Indian sun gleaming against the pink stones of Jaipur. At the age of 12, he was crowned the ‘Maharaja of Jaipur’. And now, as a 26-year-old, his vitality of thought and his ideas for rejuvenating his city make him a fervent custodian of the Pink City. It was destiny for this profound love affair to transcend time and space, creating a bond not just of duty but of deep emotional connection.
“When I sit in Jaigarh Fort, which is nearly a thousand years old, I think about how our past is our best tool for moving into the future,” says Singh. “I think deeply about how heritage can be culturally and emotionally sustainable. See, palaces are not just palaces for the sake of opulence. They are living, breathing entities that invite us to reflect on what they want to carry forward, and how,” he says, expressing the view that this dialogue and interface between a city and its residents is most important. The city shapes us, and what we do for the city—and how we interact with it—defines who we are. “Our heritage is not just a part of our identity; it is the very essence of our being, shaping our present and guiding our future.”
Jumper by Boglioli, trousers by Tod's, love ring, Ballon Bleu De Cartier watch and Just Un Clou hoop earrings, all by CartierPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Corduroy suit, custom-made by the City Palace tailor; turtleneck by Schostal Roma; Santos Dumont watch, Love, Juste Un Clou and Tank Francaise rings, and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, all by Cartier; loafers by GucciPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Corduroy suit, custom-made by the City Palace tailor; turtleneck by Schostal Roma; Santos Dumont watch, Love, Juste Un Clou and Tank Francaise rings, and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, all by Cartier; loafers by GucciPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
There is no doubt that the culture of a city plays a crucial role in creating an authentic lived experience. It is indeed one of its most delightful assets for a traveller. There are many cities in the world with stunning cultural offerings, creating a revolving door of people from different corners of the earth who come to participate in their vibrant artistic and creative environments. This cultural richness, often rooted in heritage, not only attracts visitors but also connects the city’s residents to their roots, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
“A city is the very heartbeat of its people. It is the most vital element. We dream of a certain idea of a city when we travel seeking new experiences. It inspires us, ignites curiosity and draws us to pursue opportunities. A resilient city can be a beacon of hope, and a city that transforms towards renewal and reinvention provides true inspiration,” says Singh. Having grown up as a modern social media icon of his generation, Singh’s influence is undeniable. However, it is essential to step away from his enchanting looks, his sartorial finesse and the privileges he can boast of being from his lineage—and recognise the cultural and social changes he envisions for Jaipur.
He makes it clear. “A city is never the work of one person. It brings together a shared ideology, a community and stories and dreams of its people.”
Jumper by Boglioli, trousers by Tod's, love ring, Ballon Bleu De Cartier watch and Just Un Clou hoop earrings, all by CartierPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
It is this spirit of community and shared identity that also informs Singh’s style. The titular king of Jaipur, he is a dapper savant known for a distinct and regal fashion style that reflects both traditional Rajasthani culture and contemporary influences. While enjoying the spoils of Western legacy brands, he favours bandhgalas or sherwanis, turbans embellished with a traditional sarpech (turban ornament), and other impeccable heirloom jewellery as part of his royal attire. Modern elements—linen shirts paired with mojaris—are integrated with a nonchalant flair. He brings a certain je ne sais quoi, a savvy blend of heritage with global flair. This makes him the cynosure of the sartorial world.
Yet, Singh treads lightly around his visceral charm, choosing instead to turn the spotlight on the city. Jaipur now ranks among the top three emerging cities in India, according to Collier’s latest report, and has become a favoured second-home destination. Tourism continues to rise, driven largely by domestic visitors, while major upgrades are underway at iconic attractions. The city’s arts and crafts sector, a key pillar of its economy, is also thriving.
Reflecting on these developments, Singh shares, “It’s just a great time to be in Jaipur. It’s a cosmopolitan city, not just teeming with ideas but action, and if you just see the evolution and growth of Jaipur over the past few years, it’s absolutely marvellous. Hospitality, design, jewellery, heritage crafts, textiles, music—the city is brimming with ideas that come to life and grow its cultural capital.”
That deep sense of pride in Jaipur—and his belief in collective growth—has been nurtured not only by his royal legacy but also by the women who have stood beside him. His journey has been guided by three formidable figures: his mother, Princess Diya Kumari, the grand dame Maharani Padmini Devi, and his sister, Princess Gauravi Kumari. Their unwavering support and guidance have played a pivotal role in shaping Singh into the exemplary modern ‘maharaja’ he is today, showing how deeply family and purpose are intertwined in his life.
This spirit of purpose is what Singh now channels into his work with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF), a testament to his commitment to social change. “We want to benefit the community with all of the work we do. The Princess Diya Kumari Foundation supports women and girls from marginalised backgrounds from across Rajasthan, enabling access to education, skill-building and other forms of support,” he says. They’ve worked with over 10,000 women and girls, and with initiatives like PDKF’s Artisan Collective, that number is rising exponentially.
Educated at storied institutions such as Mayo College in Ajmer, Millfield School in the UK, New York University, and the University of Museology and Arts in Rome, Singh holds his education and his lineage in deep regard. Yet he considers himself, first and foremost, a citizen of democratic India—committed to serving his community in Rajasthan and the country at large.
Polo has long been one of his greatest passions. In 2024, the United States Polo Association recognised his contributions to the sport by naming him its Global Brand Ambassador. As a professional player and former captain of the Indian National Team, Singh has carried the spirit of Indian polo onto fields across Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond. But despite his passion for the sport, he feels it’s the work of the Foundation that he can immerse himself in for the rest of his life. “The urgency to create opportunities for employment and upliftment of livelihoods is immense and ongoing.”
Jacket, trousers, both by rkivecity, Santos Dumont watch and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, both by Cartier, loafers by Christian LouboutinPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Nowadays, cities increasingly use cultural events to enhance their image, stimulate urban development and attract visitors and investors. Jaipur, too, has embraced this spirit of cultural revival, with Singh at the forefront of the movement. He elaborates, “When my ancestor, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founded Jaipur and constructed the City Palace, his vision was never limited to a private royal residence. It was always meant to be a space for the people, a cultural and civic nucleus
that would foster knowledge, creativity and community.”
Singh has been deeply committed to continuing that legacy, revitalising the City Palace as a dynamic centre for art, culture and meaningful engagement. “I often say that the City Palace is a ‘complex complex,’ and I mean that in the best way. It’s multifaceted, evolving and deeply rooted in the idea of public engagement. It can be art, architecture, food or simply a feeling of stepping into a space where history meets the Now; I want every visitor to find something that resonates. I want them to come back for not only what they see but how they felt.”
Jacket, trousers, both by rkivecity, Santos Dumont watch and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, both by Cartier, loafers by Christian LouboutinPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
That vision has guided much of his recent work. Over the years, he has curated a series of initiatives and events that inform Jaipur’s evolving identity, not just as a historic city but as a contemporary cultural destination. Museums, he believes, are among the most potent ways to connect people to their past. “Ours is deeply personal,” explains Singh. “We’re expanding the role of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, transforming it from a simple repository of artefacts into a living, breathing storytelling space.” He has invited some of the best curators and conservators from around the world to help transform the museum.
Born out of a shared vision with contemporary art specialist Noelle Kadar, Singh is particularly proud of the Jaipur Centre for Art (JCA), which opened at the City Palace last year in November. “It’s crucial to make the city a relevant and exciting player on the contemporary global art map,” he believes.
Jacket, trousers, both by rkivecity, Santos Dumont watch and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, both by Cartier, loafers by Christian LouboutinPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Another initiative close to his heart is The Sarvato, the spanking-new seasonal restaurant at the Palace, started in partnership with restaurateur Abhishek Honawar. “The Sarvato was born from a very personal place. I used to gaze at that terrace and imagine what it could become. Today, it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, offering visitors a taste of Rajasthan through carefully curated food, ambience and design. It reflects the essence of Jaipur: regal yet intimate, historic yet forward-thinking.”
The Jaigarh Heritage Festival, which he spearheaded in association with Teamwork Arts, was launched in 2024 and stands as one of the most emotionally significant projects he has committed to. “Jaigarh has always been my place of solace, it’s where I would go as a child to find peace or even to play with friends in the most carefree way. It’s an architectural marvel, with ancient water systems and stonework that reflect the genius of their time. The Festival aims to celebrate this heritage while also offering a platform to artisans, musicians and cultural practitioners, honouring both legacy and living craft,” says Singh.
Most of the visitors at the launch edition were from Jaipur—a testament to how the community sees its own story reflected in the palace’s legacy. “The fact is, the collections of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum don’t just belong to our family—they’re our shared heritage, the heritage of the city, of the state, and of the country. Cultural development can’t happen in a silo, it can’t happen just at the City Palace. It needs to happen in conversation with local communities, so we’re always looking for ways to increase participation in these activities,” he reflects.
Tshirt by The PDKF Store rkivecity, Santos Dumont watch, Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, and LOVE Juste Un Clou and Tank Francaise rings, all by Cartier, trousers by Nike and trainers by Adidas OriginalsPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Tshirt by The PDKF Store rkivecity, Santos Dumont watch, Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, and LOVE Juste Un Clou and Tank Francaise rings, all by Cartier, trousers by Nike and trainers by Adidas OriginalsPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
This philosophy extends beyond the city’s residents to every traveller who passes through Jaipur. Singh says a larger purpose guides all these projects: they are meant to offer more than just attractions to visitors. “They need to be thoughtful, layered and transformative. Tourists today seek authenticity and depth. They’re no longer content with surface-level sightseeing. We aim to leave visitors with something they carry back with them emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.”
Whether you see him as a cultural advocate, a stylish savant or a thought leader, there is no doubt this fresh wave of influence makes Singh a ‘heart leader’, if at all we can reimagine the ethics of leadership to a better place than it is today. As a city’s custodian, it’s not just business as usual for him but about igniting entrepreneurial ventures that address pressing issues of our times—environmental protection, heritage tourism, community-led solutions with regards to gender equality, education and health; and almost all address the challenges faced by the less-advantaged in rural communities.
This resonates deeply with the social currency of soft power, which relies on culture, compassion and camaraderie to shape ideas and initiatives through persuasion and diplomacy, rather than force or coercion.
Sherwani, Churidaar, custom-made by The City Palace tailor; Santos De Cartier watch, Love and Juste Un Clou rings, and Juste Un Clou hoop earrings, all by Cartier; jootis made by an artisanal shoemaker in BarmerPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
The horse-motif buttons on the Maharaja's sherwani have been designed by his grandmother, Rajmata Padmini Devi, who sketched out the design and had them made by her jeweller in JaipurPhoto by Tarun Vishwa
Soft power begins with those who steward a city’s soul—and with the citizens who feel it as their own. So, when it comes to the emotional bond between a citizen and their city, how is that connection truly felt? Singh answers this question after reflection: “A deep sense of pride and responsibility has been ingrained in me since childhood, and a strong emotional connection with the idea of continuity,” he explains. “My ancestors envisioned Jaipur as a centre of culture, innovation and artistry. My role is to be a custodian of that vision. Jaipur nurtures an innate curiosity and appreciation for creativity in you. Being surrounded by beauty, history and craftsmanship makes you want to create, collaborate and open doors for others.” In his care, Jaipur’s legacy isn’t just preserved—it is lived, felt and carried forward.
Photographs: Tarun Vishwa
Style & Creative Direction: Vijendra Bhardwaj
Grooming: Deepa Verma
Chief Assistant Stylist: Mehak Khanna
Fashion Team: Komal Shetty
Bookings & Production: Varun Shah
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