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Pre 1897 thumbnails
KOLHAPUR, MAHARAJAH OF
Neg. No: (GP) (GP)(L) 20371
Neg. Size: 15"x12"
Neg. Date: NONE

copyright V&A

image from V&A photo cd

Colonel H.H. Maharaja Shrimant Sir Shahu Bhonsle Chhatrapati Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI (1.1.1895), GCIE (12.12.1911), GCVO (1.1.1903). b. at The Circuit House, Kolhapur, 26th July 1874, eldest son of H.H. Meherban Shrimant Chiranjiva Rajashri Jaisinh Rao alias Abba Sahib Ghatge, Sarjerao Vazarat, Ma-ab, 4th Chief of Kagal (Senior), by his first wife, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Radha Bai alias Baba Sahib Maharaj, only daughter of Meherban Shrimant Balwantrao Venkatrao Raje Ghorpade, Chief of Mudhol. Educ. Rajaram Coll., Kolhapur and Rajkumar Coll., Rajkot. Adopted by H.H Rani Anand Bai Sahib, widow of H.H. Raja Shivaji IV, 17th March 1884 and ascended the gadi on the same day. Reigned under the Regency of his father until 20th March 1885 and thence under a Council of Regency until he came of age. Invested with full ruling powers, 2nd April 1894.

 
Sitter: 

Colonel H.H. Maharaja Shrimant Sir Shahu Bhonsle Chhatrapati Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI (1.1.1895), GCIE (12.12.1911), GCVO (1.1.1903). b. at The Circuit House, Kolhapur, 26th July 1874, eldest son of H.H. Meherban Shrimant Chiranjiva Rajashri Jaisinh Rao alias Abba Sahib Ghatge, Sarjerao Vazarat, Ma-ab, 4th Chief of Kagal (Senior), by his first wife, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Radha Bai alias Baba Sahib Maharaj, only daughter of Meherban Shrimant Balwantrao Venkatrao Raje Ghorpade, Chief of Mudhol. Educ. Rajaram Coll., Kolhapur and Rajkumar Coll., Rajkot. Adopted by H.H Rani Anand Bai Sahib, widow of H.H. Raja Shivaji IV, 17th March 1884 and ascended the gadi on the same day. Reigned under the Regency of his father until 20th March 1885 and thence under a Council of Regency until he came of age. Invested with full ruling powers, 2nd April 1894.

Attended the Coronation of H.M. The King-Emperor Edward VII 1902 (rcvd. Coron. Medal), Delhi Durbar 1903 (rcvd. Gold Medal), Coronation of H.M. The King-Emperor George V 1911 (rcvd. Coron. Medal) and the Delhi Durbar 1911 (rcvd. Gold Medal). Granted the hereditary title of ‘Maharaja’, 24th May 1900 and a permanent salute of 21 guns, 1st January 1909. Hon Colonel, 103rd Mahratta Light Infantry, IA 1/1/1915.

Married at Kolhapur, 1st April 1891, H.H. Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharani Lakshmi Bai Sahib Maharaj (b. 1st January 1880; d. at Kolhapur, 12th March 1945), daughter of Meherban Shrimant Gunaji Rao Khanvalkar, of Baroda by his wife, Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Anandi Bai Sahiba. He d. at Kolhapur, 6th May 1922 (succ. by his elder son), having had issue two sons and two daughters.

Biog: Ruler of Kolhapur 1874-1922.

Date: (Possibly) August 1902.

Occasion: (Possibly) The Coronation of King Edward VII, 9 August 1902.

Location: The Lafayette Studio, 179 New Bond Street, London W.

Descr: FL standing.

Costume: Robes of A Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India over Kolhapur costume.

Costume Supplier: -

Orders, Decorations & Medals: Collar, Badge and Robes or A Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (G.C.S.I. cr 1895).

Furniture & Props: Painted backdrop.

Photographer: Lafayette Ltd., 179 New Bond Street, London.

Evidence of photographer at work: -

No of poses: 1.

Copyright: V&A

All images on this site are copyright V&A. For further information on using or requesting copies of any images
please contact the V&A Picture Library: vaimages@vam.ac.uk including the URL of the relevant page

Provenance: Pinewood Studios; acquired 1989.

References:

Biog: Who's Who.

Occasion: The Times, 14 August 1902, p 8a; J.E.C. Bodley, The Coronation of Edward the Seventh: A Chapter of European and Imperial History, London, 1903, p 387; India Office, ref. L/P&S/7/142/577.

Costume: -

Costume Supplier: -

Orders, Decorations & Medals: Burke's Peerage.

Reproduced: -

Acknowledgements: Christopher Buyers