Rajaram II of Kolhapur

Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (30 July 1897 – 26 November 1940), also known as Sir Shri Rajaram or Rajaram II of Kolhapur, was the maharaja of the princely state of Kolhapur, India, from 1922 to 1940. He introduced educational reforms including a free compulsory primary school system and affordable higher education.

Early life and education Born on 30 July 1897, Rajaram was the eldest son of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. In his youth, Rajaram was known by the name Jayasingrao. They had a sister named Radhabai.

Private tutor in Kolhapur As children, Rajaram and Shivaji were taught privately by Indian tutors as well as a Scottish woman named Mrs. Irwin. On 2 April 1911, Prince Rajaram performed the opening ceremony for Shri Namdev Boarding, a boarding house for learners set up by leaders in the Shimpi community.

Reign Upon his return to Kolhapur, Rajaram learned about government administration under officers of the state. Democratic reforms During the reign of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, there were several democratic reforms in Kolhapur.

Honours

Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE), 1924 Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI), 1931

Personal life As yuwaraj (crown prince), Rajaram married the daughter of Yuwaraj Fattesing, heir apparent to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda, in 1919. His first wife became known as Tarabai.

In 1925, Rajaram took a second wife, who became known as Vijaymala. She was the daughter of Atmaramrao Mohite of Tanjawar.

On 5 October 1940, Maharani Tarabai gave birth to a daughter, Padmaraje.

Death and legacy Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj died in Bombay on 26 November 1940, after undergoing a minor medical operation there. He had traveled to Bombay on his way back from unveiling a statue in Gwalior.

Having died without a male heir, in 1942, his wife Maharani Tarabai adopted a son who became known as Shivaji V of Kolhapur, to succeed him.

In 2019, Kolhapur Airport was officially renamed the Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport after him.