Chhatrapati


Chhatrapati is a royal title from the Indian subcontinent. It is often taken to be the equivalent of emperor, and was used by the Marathas. The word ‘Chhatrapati’ is a tatpurusha Sanskrit compound of chhatra and pati which is considered as a symbolic representation of the protector of people. The parasol was considered a symbol of absolute, or even universal, sovereignty and consecrated kingship, and has been used by monarchies outside of India, as well. The title indicates a person who is a sovereign ruler over other princes, and not a vassal.
In contrast, the Indian titles of Maharaja or Raja, Yuvraj, Rajkumar or Kumar, and Senapati, reflect a range of European equivalent meanings, from King, Crown Prince, and Prince, to Duke, Count, or Lord. Shivaji adopted 'Chhatrapati' since other titles were bestowed by other lieges and paramount rulers, like the Adilshahis or Mughals.

House of Bhosle

The following list provides details the Chhatrapatis of the House of Bhosle. The title "Chhatrapati" was created by Shivaji maharaj] upon his coronation which means a protector than merely using the term "Raja" or "Maharaja" meaning just a "king", and this was held by his immediate successors, namely Sambhaji, Rajaram, and Shahu. The term is a symbolic representation of what he meant to the Maratha Empire as he protected them from outside forces of Mughals and Britishers. After the death of Chhatrapati Shahu, however, the increasing power of the Peshwas and later Maratha generals reduced his successors to a nominal position. The rulers of Satara were generally considered the inheritors of the title, although the Rajas of Kohlapur did have a claim by descent, as their position began as a subsidiary title of Shivaji II due to location of his court. His mother, the Regent Tarabai, established a rival regime in Kolhapur, challenging the power of Shahu.
PortraitChhatrapatiBirthReignDeath
Chhatrapati Shivajic.19 February 16301674 - 16803 April 1680
Chhatrapati Sambhaji14 May 165720 July 1680 - 11 March 168911 March 1689
Chhatrapati Rajaram24 February 16701689 – 17003 March 1700
Shivaji II9 June 16961700 – 170814 March 1726
Chhatrapati Shahu18 May 16821708 – 174815 December 1749

Chhatrapatis of Satara

The following is the list of the Chhatrapatis of Satara. After 1848 they became pensioners of the East India Company.
  1. Shahu
  2. Ramraja - Grandson of Rajaram and his wife, Tarabai.
  3. Shahu II of Satara
  4. Pratapsingh
  5. Shahaji of Satara
  6. Pratapsinh Raje
  7. Rajaram Maharaj-III
  8. Pratapsinh Raje-II
  9. Shahu III of Satara
  10. Pratapsinhraje

    Rajas of Kolhapur

The following is the list of the claimants from Kolhapur:
  1. Tarabai as a regent of Shivaji II
  2. Shivaji II - son of Rajaram and his senior wife, Tarabai.
  3. Sambhaji II - son of Rajaram and his junior wife, Rajasbai.
  4. Shivaji III
  5. Sambhaji III
  6. Shivaji IV
  7. Shahaji I
  8. Shivaji V
  9. Rajaram II
  10. Shivaji VI
  11. Shahu I, also known as Rajarshi Shahu
  12. Rajaram III
  13. Shivaji VII
  14. Shahaji II