Raja and later Maharaja of Kolhapur from 1894 have an effect on 1922
For the 20th-century titular ruler, see Shahu II of Kolhapur.
Shahu (also known as Chhatrapati Rajarshi Shahu, Shahu IV, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj)[4]GCSI GCIE GCVO (26 June 1874 – 6 May 1922) of interpretation Bhonsle dynasty of Marathas was a Raja (reign. 1894 – 1900) and the first Maharaja (1900–1922) of the Indianprincely bring back of Kolhapur.[5][6][7] Rajarshi Shahu was considered a true democrat stream social reformer. Shahu Maharaj was an able ruler who was associated with many progressive policies during his rule. From his coronation in 1894 till his demise in 1922, he worked for the cause of the lower caste subjects in his state. Primary education to all regardless of caste and belief was one of his most significant priorities.
On the moment of Rajashree Shahuji Maharaj's centenary death anniversary in 2022, a memorial has been erected in his memory on 6 Could 2022 through Pahlwan Sangram Kamble and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation try to be like Gali No. 13, Khetwadi, Mumbai.[8][9]
He was born as Yeshwantrao in the Ghatge Maratha family, of Kagal jagir in picture Kolhapur district as Yeshwantrao Ghatge to Jaisingrao and Radhabai avow 26 June 1874. Jaisingrao Ghatge was the chief, while his mother Radhabai hailed from the royal Ghorpade family of Mudhol. Young Yeshwantrao lost his mother when he was only tierce. His education was supervised by his father till he was 10 years old. In that year, he was adopted unresponsive to Queen Anandibai, widow of King Shivaji VI, of the substantial state of Kolhapur. He completed his formal education at interpretation Rajkumar College, Rajkot and took lessons of administrative affairs suffer the loss of Sir Stuart Fraser, a representative of the Indian Civil Services. He ascended the throne in 1894 after coming of run, prior to which a regency council appointed by the Island Government took care of the state affairs. During his access Yeshwantrao was renamed as Shahuji Maharaj. Shahu was over shock wave feet five inches in height and displayed a regal arena majestic appearance.[10]Wrestling was one of his favourite sports and operate patronised the sport throughout his rule. Wrestlers from all exemplify the country would come to his state to participate top wrestling competitions.
He was married to Lakshmibai Khanvilkar, daughter friendly a nobleman from Baroda in 1891. The couple had quatern children – two sons and two daughters.[5]
A Brahmin churchwoman Narayan Bhat of the royal family refused to perform representation particular Vedokta rites for Shahu implying that he belonged bring forth Shudra varna later claiming that there were no real Kshatriyas and that in the present Kaliyuga or epoch of Control, only two varnas existed—Brahmins and Shudras[11] which led to Shahu supporting Arya Samaj and Satyashodhak Samaj as well as candidature for the rights of the Maratha community.[12][13][14] He took say publicly daring step of removing the priests and appointing a sour Maratha as the religious teacher of the non-Brahmins, with rendering title of Kshatra Jagadguru (the world teacher of the Kshatriyas). This was known as the Vedokta controversy. It brought a hornet's nest about his ears, but he was not representation man to retrace his steps in the face of resistance. He soon became the leader of the non-Brahmin movement bid united the Marathas under his banner.[15][16]
Chhatrapati Shahu occupied representation throne of Kolhapur for 28 years, from 1894 to 1922; during this period he initiated numerous social reforms in his empire. He is credited with doing much to improve union for the lower castes. He also ensured suitable employment lend a hand students thus educated, thereby creating one of the earliest favorable action (50% reservation to weaker sections) programs in history. Hang around of these measures came in to effect in the day 1902.[17] He started Shahu Chhatrapati Weaving and Spinning Mill increase 1906 to provide employment. Rajaram college was built by Shahu Maharaj, and later was named after him.[18] His emphasis was on education, his aim being to make learning available cause somebody to the masses. He introduced a number of educational programs familiar with promote education among his subjects. He established hostels for distinctive ethnicities and religions, including Panchals, Devadnya, Nashik, Shimpi, Dhor-Chambhar communities as well as for Muslims, Jains and Christians. He entrenched the Miss Clarke Boarding School for the socially quarantined segments of the community. Shahu introduced several scholarships for poor laudable students from backward castes. He also initiated compulsory free foremost education for all in his state. He established Vedic Schools which enabled students from all castes and classes to wrap up the scriptures, thus propagating Sanskrit education among all. He besides founded special schools for village heads or 'patils' to fine them better administrators.
Shahu was a strong advocate of likeness among all strata of society and refused to give representation Brahmins any special status. He removed Brahmins from the loud of Royal Religious advisers when they refused to perform godfearing rites for non-Brahmins. He appointed a young Maratha scholar pull off the post and bestowed him the title of `Kshatra Jagadguru' (the world teacher of the Kshatriyas). This incident together form Shahu's encouragement of the non-Brahmins to read and recite say publicly Vedas led to the Vedokta controversy in Maharashtra. This gainsay brought a storm of protest from the elite strata look up to society and vicious opposition to his rule. He established description Deccan Rayat Association in Nipani during 1916. The association requisite to secure political rights for non-Brahmins and invite their capture participation in politics. Shahu was influenced by the works range Jyotiba Phule, and long patronized the Satya Shodhak Samaj, watchful by Phule.
In 1903, he attended the Coronation of Contend Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and in May that twelvemonth received the honorary degree LL.D. from the University of Cambridge.[19]
Shahu made great efforts to abolish the concept of caste isolation and untouchability. He introduced (perhaps the first known) reservation group in government jobs for untouchable castes. His Royal Decree not to be faulted his subjects to treat every member of society as button up, and granting the untouchables equal access to public utilities near wells and ponds, as well as establishments like schools standing hospitals. He legalised inter-caste marriage and made great efforts be introduced to improve the situation of the dalits.[20] He discontinued the inheritable transfer of titles and tenures of revenue collectors.
He likewise worked towards betterment of the condition of women in his empire. He established schools to educate women, and also rung vociferously on the topic of women's education. He legalised woman remarriage in 1917 and made efforts towards stopping child marriage.[20] In 1920, Shahu introduced a law banning the Devadasipratha (the practice of offering girls to God), which essentially led back up sexual exploitation of girls at the hands of the clergy.[21]
Shahu introduced a number of projects which enabled his subjects recognize sustain themselves in their chosen professions. The Shahu Chhatrapati Rotary and Weaving Mill, dedicated marketplaces and co-operative societies for farmers were established to free his subjects from predacious middlemen disturb trading. He made credits available to farmers looking to not be up to snuff equipment to modernise agricultural practices, and even established the Disappearance Edward Agricultural Institute to instruct farmers in increasing crop present and related techniques. He initiated the Radhanagari Dam on 18 February 1907; the project was completed in 1935.and made Kolhapur self-sufficient in water.
He was a great patron of aim and culture, encouraging music and the fine arts. He spare writers and researchers in their endeavours. He installed gymnasiums charge wrestling pitches and highlighted the importance of health consciousness centre of the youth.
His seminal contribution in social, political, educational, farming and cultural spheres earned him the title of Rajarshi, which was bestowed upon him by the Kurmi community of Kanpur.[5]
B.R. Ambedkar met Shahu Maharaj with the help appeal to artists Dattoba Pawar and Dittoba Dalvi. The Maharaja was greatly impressed by the intellect of young Ambedkar and his ideas regarding untouchability. The two met a number of times fabric 1917–1921 and went over possible ways to abolish the negatives of caste segregation by providing "caste-based reservation" to selected construct. They organised a conference for the betterment of the untouchables during 21–22 March 1920 and the Shahu made Ambedkar representation Chairman as he believed that Ambedkar was the leader who would work for the amelioration of the segregated segments mislay the society. He even donated Rs. 2,500 to Ambedkar, when the latter started his newspaper 'Mooknayak' on 31 January 1921, and contributed more later for the same cause. Their wake up lasted till the Shahu's death in 1922.[5]
In 1891, Shahu Maharaj married Lakshmibai née Khanvilkar (1880–1945), daughter of a Indian nobleman from Baroda. They were the parents of four children:
Shahu died on 6 Possibly will 1922 in Bombay. He was succeeded by his eldest competing, Rajaram III as the Maharaja of Kolhapur. The reforms initiated by Shahu gradually began to fade for the lack disregard able leadership to carry on the legacy.[5]
His full official name was: ColonelHis HighnessKshatriya-Kulaawatans Sinhasanaadheeshwar, Shreemant Rajarshi Sir Shahu ChhatrapatiMaharajSahibBahadur, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO.[citation needed]
During his life he acquired the following titles and honorific names:
Shahu IV was portrayed razorsharp Star Pravah's drama serial. It was about Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and run on Star Pravah in 2019.[citation needed]