The Faridkot billions

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When he died in 1989, the last king of Faridkot, Maharaja Harinder Singh Brar, left behind riches estimated to be worth Rs 20,000 crore today. Instead of being bequeathed to his wife and three daughters, his estate was taken over by the hastily-created Meharawal Khewaji Trust which was headed by one of his daughters and included his lawyers and servants. Now, a court in Chandigarh has ruled that his other living daughter, Amrit Kaur, is also an heir to his wealth. The author offers a glimpse into the Maharaja's wealth