Rajaram III[1] (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.

Rajaram III
Maharaja of Kolhapur
Reign1922–1940
PredecessorShahu of Kolhapur
SuccessorShivaji VII
Born(1897-07-31)31 July 1897
Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Kolhapur
Died26 November 1940(1940-11-26) (aged 43)
IssuePrincess Padmaraje Raghujiraje Kadambande
HouseBhosale
FatherShahu of Kolhapur
MotherMaharani Lakshmibai

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 Shahaji II, People of Kolhapur State wanted Grandchild of Shrimant Rajaram & Son of Princess Padmaraje Kadambande, Shrimant Rajwardhan Raghujiraje Kadambande to succeed the Throne of Kolhapur being the direct descendant of Rajarshi Shahu & Rajaram. Lakhs of people agitated for the same.

Titles

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  • 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[citation needed]

Honours

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References

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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