Royal symbol of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur to be used on his official letter head. picture credit: Privy seal – Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
...राजवैभव थोर असेल;
पण मी रयतेशी वचनबद्ध आहे.
ती वचनबद्धता त्या वैभवाहूनही थोर आहे.!-राजर्षी शाहू महाराज
In the rich tapestry of India’s history, the title of ‘राजर्षि-Rajarshi’ holds a special place, reserved for monarchs who transcend the ordinary bounds of kingship to reach the lofty heights of sage-like wisdom and virtue. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur is one such luminary who was bestowed with this title, not as a mere formality, but as a recognition of his profound contributions to societal reform and his sagacious governance.
- The term 'Rajarshi- राजर्षि' is derived from two Sanskrit संस्कृत words: 'Raja राजा,' meaning king, and 'Rishi ऋषि ,' meaning sage.
- It is an accolade given to a ruler who combines the kingly qualities of leadership and power with the sage-like attributes of wisdom, detachment, and a focus on the spiritual and moral well-being of their subjects.
- This blend of the temporal and the spiritual in governance is what sets a Rajarshi apart from their contemporaries.
- Rajarshi- राजर्षि literally means a King who is also a Rishi.ure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s claim to the title of Rajarshi is firmly rooted in his revolutionary approach to social reform. His reign was characterized by a deep empathy for the marginalized and a strong will to uproot the societal ills that plagued his kingdom. He was a king who saw beyond the opulence of his court and the power of his throne to the suffering of the common people, especially those oppressed under the rigid caste system.
Data Driven Reforms
After taking over the administration Rajrashi Shahu made consensus in entire Kolhapur Sansthan that showed the pitiful condition of Shudratishudras.
Even in his own offices he noticed that Out of 71 officers in Kolhapur State, 60 officers were Brahmins and 11 officers were non-Brahmins. Among the private staff, 46 out of 53 were Brahmins and 7 were non-Brahmins. Out of 79 students studying in Rajaram College, 73 were Brahmins and 6 were non-Brahmins.
For the next 28 years, until he passed away, he wrote into law and implemented a multitude of reforms for backward classes and women that encompass diverse fields, from education, industry and labour, agriculture, economy and markets, irrigation, and dams, among others.
His reforms were sweeping and targeted the very foundation of social inequality. He was a pioneer in promoting education among the lower castes, whom he uplifted through the establishment of schools and hostels. This was not a mere act of charity but a strategic move to empower these communities, to give them the tools to break free from the shackles of oppression, and to claim their rightful place in society.
Moreover, Shahu Maharaj’s efforts to ensure representation of non-Brahmins in administrative roles was a bold step towards creating a more balanced and fair governance structure. He recognized that true progress could only be achieved when all segments of society were given the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
A private royal seal of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur. To be used on his private letter. Picture credit: Privy seal – Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
- The pioneer of reservations for the weaker sections of society in educational institutions and jobs—a legacy that Ambedkar carried into the Constitution of India nearly five decades later.
- Going against the contemporary customs, he encouraged and sponsored non-Brahmins to read and recite the Vedas.
- Education was made universal by making primary education free and compulsory. A fine of Rs.1 per month was imposed on children whose children did not attend school. Teachers who followed untouchability were ordered to resign from their posts.
- Shahu Maharaj issued a decree banning caste segregation and untouchability. It was incumbent on all his subjects to treat everyone equally and allow ‘untouchables’ access to public utilities such as village ponds, wells and schools. Ambedkar later expanded this principle of equality in the Constitution.
- He also initiated the construction of the Radhanagri dam in 1907, though it completed only decades later making Kolhapur region self-sufficient and water-fed through the year.
Anecdote of Shahu Maharaj: THE Matang Worker’s Struggle
Once Shahu Maharaj gave job to a person of Matang community in the Court. The privileged castes, especially Brahmins, who had exclusively filled the Court till then, could not digest the fact that one Matang would work in the Court with them. They decided to drive him away.
They ragged him. Other Brahmins in the court office gave him separate table, separate chair, separate mat, separate glass and also separate room. Nobody spoke to him nor was anyone telling him to do any work. Angry looks of Brahmins and gossips about him was what he had to tolerate. He felt miserable and was at the brink of crying.
After 15 days, the officer in the position of judge remarked in his confidential report (CR) that this Matang worker is not doing any work, he is inefficient in doing any work and recommended deduction of his 15 days salary. Shahu Maharaj did not take this matter seriously. But then after another 15 days same remarks came about in his confidential report (CR). “That worker is not doing any work. He is not efficient in any work. His one month’s salary must be cut and he be reduced from the job.” After reading this confidential report Shahu Maharaj decided to personally pay attention in this case. He conducted inquiry through intelligence agencies and found out the real reasons. After finding out the real reasons Shahu Maharaj issued a memo to that officer. In this memo Shahu Maharaj says
“As per your letter you say that this officer is inefficient and you are correct here. I felt this after conducting inquiry. But I am hereby placing one responsibility on you; that of making this inefficient worker efficient within 15 days. Otherwise your 15 days’ salary will be cut.”
Promptly after 15 days, the officer’s report reached Shahu Maharaj stating that “That worker is every efficient and he has improved tremendously.”
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s claim to the title of Rajarshi is firmly rooted in his revolutionary approach to social reform. His reign was characterized by a deep empathy for the marginalized and a strong will to uproot the societal ills that plagued his kingdom. He was a king who saw beyond the opulence of his court and the power of his throne to the suffering of the common people, especially those oppressed under the rigid caste system.
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