The Scindia Dynasty was the ruling dynasty of
Gwalior. Presently the members of this dynasty hold important posts in the government machinery, with many of them active in politics.
The ancestors of the members of the Scindia Dynasty originally belonged to a place called Kanherkheda, which is situated near Satara in Maharashtra. They held a sway over the post of Patil, the village headman, before they joined the army of the Marathas. In the Maratha army, they came into prominence under the leadership of Ranoji Scindia, who was a gifted military commander. He laid the foundation of the Scindia Dynasty by capturing the great fortress of Gwalior and in the process getting stake in the governance of the land around the fort. He was followed by his illustrious sons, in establishing the family rule, notable among them being Mahadji Scindia.
Mahadji Scindia, known for his patriotic qualities, led many battles against the British. He strove to restore the dignity of the Marathas, which was greatly diminished after the Battle of Panipat. His successor, Daulat Rao Scindia, was an equally competent military commander. Daulat Rao Scindia led an active conflict against the British. But owing to the defeat at the hands of the Imperial rulers, he had to join hands with them. He was appointed as one of the first Indian generals in the British Army. He was followed by a long line of successors, who were responsible for the modernization of the administrative, financial and military setup of the Gwalior state. They introduced education reforms, built hospitals, schools, railways and other similar public establishments.
