Rajaram III

Rajaram III
Maharaja of Kolhapur
Reign	1922–1940
Predecessor	Shahu of Kolhapur
Successor	Shivaji VII
Born	(1897-07-31)31 July 1897 Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Kolhapur
Died	26 November 1940(1940-11-26) (aged 43)
Issue	Princess Padmaraje Raghujiraje Kadambande
House	Bhosale
Father	Shahu of Kolhapur
Mother	Maharani Lakshmibai

Rajaram III (31 July 1897 – 26 November 1940) of the Bhonsle dynasty, was Maharaja of Kolhapur from 1922–1940, succeeding his father Maharaja Shahu. A benevolent ruler, he was instrumental in the uplifting of the dalits and depressed castes in his state. He also established the Kolhapur High Court, modern housing developments, an updated water-supply system, free primary education and higher-level female education. As he only left a daughter "Princess Padmaraje Raghujiraje Kadambande of Fort Torkhed, Dist. Nandurbar at his death, he was succeeded by a distant relation, Shivaji VII. After Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj II, People of Kolhapur State wanted Grandchild of Shrimant Rajaram Maharaj & Son of Princess Padmaraje Kadambande, Shrimant Rajwardhan Raghujiraje Kadambande to succeed the Throne of Kolhapur being the direct descendant of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj & Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj. Lakhs of people agitated for the same.

Titles

• 1897-1922: Shrimant Yuvaraja Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Bhonsle
• 1922-1924: His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur
• 1924-1927: His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCIE
• 1927-1931: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCIE
• 1931-1937: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI, GCIE
• 1937-1940: Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI, GCIE
• 1940: Brigadier His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI, GCIE

Honours

• Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE)-1924
• Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI)-1931
• King George V Silver Jubilee Medal-1935
• King George VI Coronation Medal-1937

External links

Rajaram III Bhonsle Dynasty (Kolhapur line) Born: 31 July 1897 Died: 26 November 1940
Regnal titles
Preceded by Shahu (as Maharaja of Kolhapur)	Maharaja of Kolhapur 1922–1940	Succeeded by Shivaji VII