Shahaji II

Shahaji II Biography

Rajarshi Shahu, popularly known as Shahaji II was the first Maharaja of the Indian princely state of Kolhapur. He ruled the kingdom from 1900 till his death in 1922. He belonged to the Bhosale dynasty. Shahaji II is credited to doing a lot of things for low caste people and made education and employment available to all. Shahu married Lakshmibai, daughter of a Maratha nobleman from Baroda on 1891 and the couple had 4 children.

Shahu was born on 26 July 1874 as Yeshwantrao Ghatge. He was the eldest son of Jaishinghrao Ghatge, chief of Kagal and Radhabai. He was adopted by Anandibai, widow of Raja Shivaji IV in March 1884. Though he was not a member of the royal family, several intermarriages made Shahu's family connected with Royal family and thus Shahu was adapted. When he was a minor, he was tutored in administrative affairs by Sir Stuart Fraser. He bestowed the power in 1894.

Shahu as a ruler has done many good things for low caste people and their uplift. He opened many hostels in Kolhapur to facilitate education of all, including rural and low caste people. Victoria Maratha Boarding School, Miss Clarke Boarding School, Rajaram College and Deccan Rayat Aanstha were started by him. He also ensured job for educated students - one of the earliest Affirmative action programs in Indian history. As a result, he started Shahu Chhatrapati Weaving and Spinning Mill in 1906 to provide employment. Most of these measures became effective in 1902.

During his life time, Shahu has attained certain titles and honorific names. His full official name was: Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar. He received the title Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India in 1895 and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 1903.

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Updated: September 24, 2017