Rajaram III
Rajaram III[1] (31 July 1897 – 26 November 1940) 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 "Princess Padmaraje Raghujiraje Kadambande of Fort Torkhed, Dist. Nandurbar at his death, he was succeeded by a distant relation, Shivaji VII. After Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahaji Maharaj II, People of Kolhapur State wanted Grandchild of Shrimant Rajaram Maharaj & Son of Princess Padmaraje Kadambande, Shrimant Rajwardhan Raghujiraje Kadambande to succeed the Throne of Kolhapur being the direct descendant of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj & Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj. Lakhs of people agitated for the same.
| Rajaram III | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Maharaja of Kolhapur | |
| Reign | 1922–1940 |
| Predecessor | Shahu of Kolhapur |
| Successor | Shivaji VII |
| Born | 31 July 1897 Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Kolhapur |
| Died | 26 November 1940 (aged 43) |
| Issue | Princess Padmaraje Raghujiraje Kadambande |
| House | Bhosale |
| Father | Shahu of Kolhapur |
| Mother | Maharani Lakshmibai |
Titles
- 1897-1922: Shrimant Yuvaraja Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Bhonsle
- 1922-1924: His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur
- 1924-1927: His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCIE
- 1927-1931: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCIE
- 1931-1937: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI, GCIE
- 1937-1940: Colonel His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI, GCIE
- 1940: Brigadier His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Rajaram III Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI, GCIE