Marthand Rao Holkar

Maharajadhiraj Raja Rajeshwar Sawai Shri Marthand Rao Holkar VIII Bahadur or Marthand Rao Holkar (1830–1849) belonging to the Holkar dynasty of the Marathas was briefly the Maharaja of Indore (Holkar State) (1833–1834).

He was born in 1830, the eldest son of Shrimant Sardar Bapu Sahib Holkar. He was adopted in October 1833 by Gautamabai Holkar and Krishna Bai Holkar, who were, respectively, the widow and mother of the deceased Maharaja Malhar Rao Holkar III.

Gaddi

Marthand Rao was installed on the throne (gaddi) at Indore on 17 January 1834. The adoption, however, was not acceptable to the people, who regarded it as Gautama Bai's device for retaining power. The strong opposition of the public on 2 February 1834, led to the succession of Hari Rao Holkar. Subsequently, Marthand Rao was sent to the Deccan Plateau, where he was confined until his death at Poona on 2 June 1849.