Raja Shahaji of Satara


Shahaji Bhonsle ruled the Indian princely state of Satara from 1839 until his death in 1848. He was also known as Appa Saheb, and his full titles were Shreemant Maharaj Shahaji Bhonsle Raja Chhatrapati of Satara.
His adoptive father Pratap Singh had been dethroned as Raja Pratap Singh, Raja of Satara by the British rulers in 1839 and stripped of his powers and personal possessions. Appa Sahib succeeded his father under the title Shreemant Maharaj Shajee Raja Chhatrapati of Satara.
After his death, the British questioned the irregularity of his adoption, refused to recognise the succession, and annexed the state of Satara to the Presidency of Bombay under the doctrine of lapse, on 1 May 1849.