7 decades into Indian democracy, a royal palace thrives

In the summer of 1944, hundreds of royals gathered for the opening of Umaid Bhawan Palace, a magnificent sandstone edifice that dominates the skyline in India’s northwestern city of Jodhpur. It was the last of its kind.

Three years later, India was free from British colonial rule, and more than 500 princely states — the semi-sovereign principalities ruled by royal clans — faced an uncertain future. Most have faded into obscurity, but the family that built this palace continues to thrive — in part by converting a section of it into a hotel.

Royal refurb: Palace repairs add to monarchy cost

Everyone says there are lots of hidden costs to owning a home. If you own a palace, the costs are royal.