Shanshe, Duke of the Ksani

Shanshe II (born end of 17th century – died 1753), was a Georgian nobleman and politician from Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti. From 1718 was Duke of Ksani.

Biography Shanshe was the eldest son of Datuna, Duke of Ksani, and his wife, Mariam, daughter of King George XI.

In 1719 he rebelled against Vakhtang VI, but was defeated and exiled to Imereti. He managed to escape from exile and rebelled in 1720 and was again defeated. However he adulated to the King Vakhtang VI and was devoted of his oath until the end.

In 1723 when Kartli and kakheti was conquered by Ottoman Empire he was fighting against the intruders. In 1735 when Ottoman role in Kartli and Kakheti was changed by Iranians (Qizilbashs) Shanshe together with Givi Amilakhvari (1689–1754) and Vakhushti Abashidze led big revolt against Iranian conquerors and from the strengthened fortresses in Ksani Saeristavo he was fighting for two years. But in 1737 he was finally defeated and had to escape to Imereti and later to Russia.

He was trying to help Bakar (Son of Vakhtang VI and factual king of Kartli) return. However, this mission was unsuccessful and he returned to Georgia and continued fighting against Qizilbashs. Because of betrayal he was captured by Iranians and punished by scooping eyes.

In 1745 he was sent back to Tbilisi, after two years he got back his manorial estates. He died in Tbilisi in prison in 1753. Where he was imprisoned because of rebel against king Heraclius II.

Family Shanshe was married to Ana (Ana-Khanum), daughter of Prince Tamaz Baratashvili. His children were:

Ioane ; Zurab ; Mariam , who married Alexander III of Kakheti.