maharajah
A maharajah is a title of nobility used in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the British Raj period. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words "maha," meaning great, and "rajah," meaning king or ruler. Historically, maharajahs were the rulers of princely states, which were semi-autonomous territories within the British Empire. These states were governed by local rulers who maintained their own armies, courts, and administrative systems, but were subject to the suzerainty of the British Crown.
The title of maharajah was often bestowed upon the ruler of a large and influential state, reflecting
During the British Raj, maharajahs played a crucial role in the governance of the Indian subcontinent. They
After India gained independence in 1947, the princely states were integrated into the newly formed Union of