Description
Bapji, Maharaja of Marwar-Jodhpur: The King Who Would Be Man
By Yogi Vaid and Aman Nath | Photographs by Amit Pasricha
“The institution defined the boy, the young man embodied it, and the wise, old king has transcended it.”
— Raoraja Mahendra Singh, former CEO of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust
Book Specifications:
Category: Heritage & Culture
Pages: 186 pages with four gatefolds | Illustrations: 233 illustrations
Dimensions: 11 x 13″ (279.5 x 330 mm), Hardcover (HC)
ISBN: 978-93-94501-28-7
Price: ₹4500 | $75 | £55
Year of Publication: Spring 2026
Association: Published in association with Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur
The King Who Would Be Man is an intimate and evocative chronicle of Maharaja Gajsingh II of Marwar-Jodhpur—a sovereign born to grandeur, yet shaped by contemporary changes with traditional responsibilities. The narrative unfolds a tale of a boy crowned king at the tender age of four, lovingly called ‘Bapji’, who matures into a thoughtful guardian of his people’s legacy.
The book explores his personal journey alongside the progression of his leadership and the broader history of the Rathore dynasty. Bapji’s story takes us through heavy turns in the royal saga of Marwar-Jodhpur, recounting tragic events that altered the course of a kingdom and touching upon monumental historical events—from colonial encounters and the World Wars to the transformation of royal institutions post-Independence.
Set against such sweeping changes, this is the story of a royal figure who does not cling to power but channels his heritage into purpose. With grace and wisdom, Bapji has reconciled the solemnity of tradition with the demands of democracy, becoming not just a keeper of palaces and customs, but a king of conscience—a man of his time, and for his people.
About the Contributors:
Yogi Vaid: Educated at SRCC and FMS New Delhi, he works in his family’s equestrian goods export business. He debuted as an author in 2020 with A Remarkable Friendship and progressed organically to this tome.
Aman Nath: A multifaceted professional in advertising, writing, and architectural restoration. He is a founding member of INTACH and the co-founder/Co-chairman of the Neemrana Hotels chain.
Amit Pasricha: One of India’s leading photographers, known for his architectural and social documentary work in the panoramic format. His work has been exhibited in London, New York, and India.
