Maharaja

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Maharaja^[a] (also spelled Maharajah or Maharaj) was a princely or royal title used by some Hindu monarchs since the ancient times.^[2] Maharaja is a compound word of Maha (great) and Raja (ruler). It was used generally by vassal monarchs, though it was also used rarely by independent monarchs as well. It ranks higher than Raja which denoted a high-ranking noble or minor prince who ruled a small estate. Monarchs who became independent usually change their title to Maharajadhiraja which denotes a sovereign and independent status.^[3]

The form "Maharaj" (without "-a") indicates a separation of noble and religious offices, although since in Hindi the suffix -a is silent, the two titles are near homophones. Historically the title Maharajas were first used by rulers of Mahajanapadas. Most high-ranking Hindu princely monarchs of the Indian Empire during the British era were styled Maharajas such as the Maharaja of Kashmir and Jammu, Maharaja of Mysore and Maharaja of Gwalior.

It's variants include Maharana and Maharao.

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