Scindia

Scindia, also spelled Sindhia or Shinde, is a surname associated with the Scindia dynasty, a historic Maratha royal house that ruled the princely state of Gwalior in central India from the 18th century until Indian independence. The dynasty traces its origins to Ranoji Scindia, a Maratha general who consolidated territory in western and central India and established a family seat in the region, with Gwalior as its capital for much of the period.

The Scindia rulers played a central role in the expansion and administration of Gwalior State. Mahadji Shinde (also known as Madhavrao Scindia) dominated northern Indian politics in the late 18th century, reasserting Maratha influence and shaping the balance of power in the region. Daulat Rao Sindhia and his successors continued to govern and modernize the state, which at times included significant territorial and economic development. The Scindia line remained one of the principal branches of the Marathas, alongside other contemporary houses.

Following Indian independence, princely states were integrated into the Union of India. Gwalior State acceded in 1948 and became part of Madhya Pradesh, with the Scindia family continuing to hold social and cultural influence in the region. In modern India, members of the Scindia family have been active in politics, business, and public life. A prominent contemporary figure is Jyotiraditya Scindia, a member of Parliament and a public figure associated with the Scindia lineage.

The name Scindia, Sindhia, or Shinde reflects a historical lineage rather than a single location, and it remains closely associated with the history of Gwalior and the broader Maratha world.