Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad (1930–1988) was an Indian politician, sports administrator and cricketer who served as the titular head of the House of Gaekwad of Baroda. A member of the erstwhile princely family that ruled the Baroda State until its accession to the Indian Union in 1949, he later played first-class cricket and held public office as a Member of Parliament. He is also remembered for his long association with Indian cricket administration and wildlife conservation.
| Full name | Fatehsinghrao Pratapsinghrao Gaekwad |
|---|---|
| Born | 1930 |
| Died | 1988 |
| House | Gaekwad of Baroda |
| Father | Pratapsinghrao Gaekwad |
| Profession | Cricketer, politician, administrator |
| Cricket type | First-class |
| Political role | Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) |
| Constituency | Baroda |
Fatehsinghrao was the eldest son of Maharaja Pratapsinghrao Gaekwad, the last ruling Maharaja of Baroda. The Baroda State, located in present-day Gujarat, acceded to the Indian Union in 1949, and Fatehsinghrao succeeded as the titular Maharaja in 1951 following the deposition of his father by the Government of India. With the abolition of privy purses and royal titles through the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India in 1971, the position became ceremonial.
Like several members of Indian princely families of his generation, Fatehsinghrao played first-class cricket. He represented Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. He later moved into cricket administration, serving in senior capacities with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including as its president, and managed Indian touring teams abroad. He was associated with the Baroda Cricket Association as one of its principal patrons.
Fatehsinghrao was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Baroda constituency in Gujarat. He was associated with the Indian National Congress during his parliamentary career and served in the Union government in ministerial roles, including responsibilities related to the welfare and external affairs portfolios at junior level.
He took an active interest in Indian wildlife and natural history. He was associated with the World Wildlife Fund–India and contributed to publications on Indian fauna, most notably co-authoring works on Indian wildlife with the naturalist Divyabhanusinh Chavda, including a book on the Asiatic lion of Gir. He was also a patron of the arts and of institutions in Baroda, including the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, founded by his ancestor Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad represents the transition of India's former princely elite into the public life of the Republic. His career spanned cricket, politics, conservation and the custodianship of Baroda's cultural and educational legacy, and he is remembered for his role in shaping Indian cricket administration during a formative period and for his contributions to wildlife literature.