Madhav Rao Sindhia

Visionary Indian ruler who modernized Gwalior State through industrialization and social reforms.

Madhav Rao Scindia (1794–1827) was the Maharaja of Gwalior during the British Raj, known for his radical modernization efforts. He established India's first steam-powered textile mill, the Gwalior Industrial Society, which reduced reliance on British imports. He also founded schools for girls and introduced vaccination programs to combat smallpox. His legal reforms banned sati (widow burning) and improved women's inheritance rights. Despite his short reign, his initiatives inspired other princely states to adopt industrial policies, making Gwalior a hub of early Indian entrepreneurship. His legacy is preserved in the Scindia School and the Gwalior Museum's industrial exhibits.