1. The Mughals
Ziauddin Tucy, one of last remaining descendants of the family, currently lives in a rented house.
There was a time when the Mughals were the rulers of almost the entire country. The stories of their riches and grandeur were known to the entire world. For many generations, they were the undisputed rulers of India. But it changed once the Britishers came to India.
After the revolt of 1857, the last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar II was dethroned and captured. Today the descendants of the great dynasty live in extreme poverty.
2. The Nawabs of Awadh
Prince Ali Raza, one of the last descendants, lives in a depleted ancestral house called Malcha Mahal, which neither has electricity nor a water connection.
The Nawabs of Awadh were known for their famous delicacies and luxury. They were great patrons of art. But just like the Mughals, they also lost most of their wealth after the Britishers came to India.
Nawab Wajid Ali was the last nawab of Awadh. When the Britishers attacked his Kingdom he fled to Kolkata.
3. The Kings Of Travancore
Marthanda Varma led a simple life with his wife in Bangalore for many years. He once tried to establish his own factory but failed.
The Kings of Travancore ruled over an area that now falls under present day Kerela. The family was so rich that it decided to donate a large chunk of their fortune to the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Their donations made it one of the richest temples in the world.
Marthanda Varma, the successor of the Travancore’s royal family, had to give his life of luxury soon after independence.
4. The Vanderbilt Family
After 6 generations, one of the richest families in America, has lost almost all of its wealth.
Although not technically a royal family, but once upon a time they were one of the richest families in America.
Today, they live their lives is just like any other American family. Although they do use the famous Vanderbilt surname, but they no longer have the money, that once made them famous throughout America.
5. The Pulitzers
The grandson of the famous Joseph Pulitzer, Peter Pulitzer, had to be bailed out financially by the husband of his ex-wife.
The famous Pulitzer price was once sponsored by them. The stories of their wealth and glory were known all over the world. Nobody could have imagined even in their wildest dreams that even this great family could one day lose all its money.