Rulers of Kohlapur- Bhosale Dynasty Shahaji II - Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj) (26 June 1874 – 6 May 1922) of the Bhosale dynasty Brief History: The ruling family of Kolhapur enjoys a common ancestry with the Bhonsle dynasties of Tanjore and Satara. They claim descent from the Sisodia clan of Rajputs, the same descent as the ancient rulers of Chittor and Udaipur. The states of Satara and Kolhapur came into being in 1707, because of the succession dispute over the Mahratta kingship. eventually confirmed by the Treaty of Warna in 1731. The state acceded to the Dominion of India on 14th August 1947 and merged with Bombay on 1st March 1949. Shahu was born on 26 June 1874 as Yeshwantrao Ghatge, eldest son of Jaishinghrao Ghatge, chief of Kagal (senior) by his wife Radhabai, a daughter of the Raja of Mudhol. He was adopted by Anandibai, widow of Raja Shivaji IV. Despite his not being a male-line member of the Bhosale dynasty. A council of regency was appointed by the British government of India to oversee affairs of state during Shahus minority and during that time he was tutored in administrative affairs by Sir Stuart Fraser. Shahu was invested with ruling powers upon coming of age in 1894. Vedokta controversy When the Brahmin priests of the royal family refused to perform the rites of the non-Brahmins in accordance with the Vedic hymns, he took the daring step of removing the priests and appointment a young Maratha as the religious teacher of the non-Brahmins, with the title of `Kshatra Jagadguru (the world teacher of the Kshatriyas). This was known as the `Vedokta controversy. It brought a hornets nest about his ears but he was not the man to retrace his steps in the face of opposition. He soon became the leader of the non-Brahmin movement and united the Marathas under his banner. Social Reforms Shahu Maharaj is credited with doing much to further the lot of the lower castes. He did much to make education and employment available to all: he not only subsidized education in his state, eventually providing free education to all. His educational institutions include Victoria Maratha Boarding School, Miss Clarke Boarding School and Deccan Rayat Aanstha. He also ensured suitable employment for students thus educated, thereby creating one of the earliest Affirmative action programs in history. He started Shahu Chhatrapati Weaving and Spinning Mill in 1906 to provide employment. Many of these measures were effected in the year 1902. Rajaram college was built by Shahu Maharaja and is named after him.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 17:30:05 +0000
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