Rajasthan’s Bagdi Mali Family of 185 Defies Nuclear Family Trend

In an era where nuclear families dominate, the Bagdi Mali family of Rajasthan stands as a remarkable exception. Residing in Ramsar village near Nasirabad, 36 kilometres from Ajmer, this family of 185 members continues to thrive together, upholding the traditional joint family system.

A viral video on social media showed the Bagdi Mali family celebrating various events with unity and joy. Their household, led by the late Sultan Mali, now spans six generations, including 65 men, 60 women, and 60 children. Sultan Mali’s teachings of unity and love remain the family’s guiding principles, as emphasized by Birdichand Mali, one of his surviving sons.

*सुपरजंबो जॉइंट फैमिली !!!!!*🤘🔥🔥

1. 185 सदस्य
2. 700 बीघा खेती
3. 12 कार
4. 80 टू व्हीलर
5. 11 ट्रैक्टर
6. 10 बच्चे हर साल जन्म
7. हर रोज b’day
8. अनलिमिटेड आनंद
9. अनलिमिटेड सम्पन्नता pic.twitter.com/svuBp8HbgO

— VISHAL SINGH (@Vishalk09340276) June 19, 2024

The family’s daily life revolves around their extensive kitchen, where 13 stoves operate simultaneously in the morning and evening. Ladi Devi, a daughter-in-law revealed that they use around 15 kg of vegetables and over 50 kg of flour daily to prepare chapatis, reflecting the scale of their communal living. The monthly expenditure on ration alone amounts to approximately ₹12 lakh.

Despite the challenges of managing such a large household, the Bagdi Mali family resolves disputes through elder mediation, ensuring harmony. Their income sources are diverse, with members engaged in government and private jobs, farming, animal husbandry, running a building material shop, and driving tractors.

In 2016, one of the daughters-in-law became the village sarpanch, spearheading improvements in local infrastructure and services. The family’s dedication to communal living and support for one another in times of joy and sorrow is inspirational.

Recently, Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan visited the Bagdi Mali family while shooting in Ajmer. Overwhelmed by the family’s affection, Sara Ali Khan shared a video of her visit on social media, bringing further attention to this extraordinary family.