Rajaram III


Rajaram III 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. As he only left a daughter at his death, he was succeeded by a distant relation, Shivaji VII.

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