Chhatrapati is a royal title from Sanskrit language.The word ‘Chhatrapati’ is a Sanskrit language compound word ( tatpurusha in Sanskrit) of ''

chhatra The ''chhatra'' (from sa, छत्र, meaning "umbrella") "jewelled/precious parasol" is an auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The ''chhatra'' in various traditions According to Hindu mythology, it is the emblem of Varu ...

'' (''parasol'' or ''umbrella'') and ''pati'' (''master/lord/ruler''). This title was used by the

House of Bhonsle The Bhonsle (or Bhonsale, Bhosale, Bhosle) are a prominent group within the Maratha clan system of kunbi origin. They claimed descent from the Sisodia Rajputs but were likely Kunbi tiller-plainsmen. History Earliest members The earliest a ...

. The title "Chhatrapati" was created by Shivaji upon his coronation, and this was also held by his immediate successors, namely Sambhaji,

Rajaram Rajaram or Raja Ram is one of the Indian names: * Several Chhatrapatis, leaders of the Maratha Empire in India ** Rajaram I (1670–1700), younger son of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, ruled 1689–1700 ** Rajaram II of Satara, putative grand ...

, and Shahu. After the death of Shahu, however, the increasing power of the Peshwas reduced his successors to a nominal position although they continue to use the title to this day. The states of Satara and Kolhapur came into being in 1707, because of the succession dispute over the royalty. Shahuji, the heir apparent to the Maratha kingdom, captured by the Mughals at the age of nine, remained their prisoner at the death of his father Sambhaji, the elder son of Shivaji the founder of the Maratha Empire, in 1689. The dowager Maharani Tarabai (wife of Rajaram I) proclaimed her son Shivaji II, as Chhatrapati under her regency. The Mughals released Shahu under certain conditions in 1707, and he returned to claim his inheritance. He defeated the regent at the Battle of Khed and established himself at Satara, forcing her to retire with her son to Kolhapur. By 1710 two separate principalities had become an established fact. Shivaji II and Tarabai were soon deposed by the other wife of Rajaram, Rajasbai. She installed her own son, Sambhaji II as the new ruler of Kolhapur. Sambhaji II signed the "Treaty of Warana" in 1731 with his cousin Shahuji to formalize the two separate seats of Bhonsle family.

Initial Chhatrapatis

This is the list of the initial Chhatrapatis.

Chhatrapatis of Satara

This is the list of the Chhatrapatis of Satara.Maheshwari, K.K. & K.W. Wiggins (1989). ''Maratha Mints and Coinage'', Nashik: Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies, pp.205–6

Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur

This is the list of the Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur. Genealogy of Kolhapur Maharajas

Notes

References

* V.S. Kadam, 1993. ''Maratha Confederacy: A Study in its Origin and Development''. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi. * D.B. Kasar, ''Rigveda to Rajgarh – Making of Shivaji the Great''. Manudevi Prakashan, Mumbai. {{MarathaEmpire Titles in India Titles of national or ethnic leadership Royal titles Men's social titles Hindu dynasties Maratha Empire

Initial Chhatrapatis

Chhatrapatis of Satara

Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur

See also

Notes

References