Shahoji II

Shahoji II

Shahoji II, also known as Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao, was the Maharaja of Dewas senior state and later was the Maharaja of the princely state of Kolhapur.

Shahoji II, also known as Shahaji II and Vikramsinhrao Nana Sahib Puar, was the Maharaja of the princely state of Dewas Senior and later became the Maharaja of Kolhapur. He reigned over the Dewas senior state from 1937 to 1947 and ruled over Kolhapur from the year 1947 to 1983. He was the first member of the Puar dynasty to become Maharaja of the state of Kolhapur. Shahoji II was born on 4th April 1910 as Yuvaraja Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao at Kolhapur. He was the heir and the only son of Maharaja Sir Tukojirao III of Dewas senior and his first wife Maharani Radhabai Maharaje Sahib Puar. She was the eldest daughter of Maharaja Sir Shahu IV of Kolhapur. Sir Tukojirao III escaped to Pondicherry (now known as Puducherry), which was in French India on 26th July 1934 and instructed Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao or Shahoji II to co-ordinate and manage the affairs of Dewas senior state.

Shahoji II as ruler of Dewas
After his father died on 21st December 1937 in Pondicherry, Shahoji II succeeded him and ascended the throne of Dewas senior as the new Maharaja and ruled from 1937 to 1947. Shahoji II, also known as Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao was honoured with the Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in the year 1941. During World War II, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry. In the African campaign in the Western Desert, Sir Vikramsinhrao proved and established himself as a Company Commander. Later in 1945 he was promoted to the rank of Major and soon after the end of the war, he went back to Dewas and continued his reign.

Shahoji II as ruler of Kolhapur
On 23 March 1947, Shahoji II or Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao abdicated the throne of the princely state of Dewas senior in favor of Krishnajirao III, his eldest son. On 31 March 1947 he ascended the throne of Kolhapur as His Highness Sir Shahoji II, as the throne of Kolhapur was left vacant after the death of Shivaji V in the year 1946. He reigned over the region from 1947 to 1983. He was promoted to Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India(GCSI) in August 1947. Before the country attained independence, Sir Shahoji II commenced an interim council of ministers and an elected state legislature. Kolhapur was merged with the Bombay Presidencyon 1st March 1949.

In the year 1962, he became a Major General in the Indian Army, but under the rule of Indira Gandhi, his rank and titles were stripped due to mass removal of royal titles and honours.

Personal Life of Shahoji II
Shahoji II was married to Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharani Pramilabai Raje Sahib Bhonsle on 30th December 1926 at Dewas. The royal couple had three daughters and one son, namely Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Maharajkumari Shaliniraje Sahib Maharaj Bhonsle, Maharajkumari Vijayaraje Sahib Maharaj Shitole, Maharajkumari Urmilaraje Sahib Maharaj Ghorpade and Krishnajirao III.

Maharaja Sir Shahoji II died at the age of 73 on 9th May 1983, after a reign of 36 years. Krishnajirao III succeeded his father and ascended the throne as Maharaja of Dewas. Shahu II, the grandson of Shahoji II, succeeded him as the new Maharaja of Kolhapur.

Titles of Shahoji II
Sir Shahoji II, also known as Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao, held several titles, such as
* Srimant Yuvaraja Vikramsinhrao Tukojirao Maharaj Puar (1910- 1937)
* His Highness Kshatriya Kulavatana Sena Sapta Sahasri Senapati Pratinidhi, Maharaja Srimant Vikramsinhrao Puar, Maharaja of Dewas Senior (1937- 1941)
* His Highness Kshatriya Kulavatana Sena Sapta Sahasri Senapati Pratinidhi, Maharaja Srimant Sir Vikramsinhrao Puar, Maharaja of Dewas Senior, KCSI (1941- 1942)
* Lieutenant His Highness Kshatriya Kulavatana Sena Sapta Sahasri Senapati Pratinidhi, Maharaja Srimant Sir Vikramsinhrao Puar, Maharaja of Dewas Senior, KCSI (1942- 1944)
* Captain His Highness Kshatriya Kulavatana Sena Sapta Sahasri Senapati Pratinidhi, Maharaja Srimant Sir Vikramsinhrao Puar, Maharaja of Dewas Senior, KCSI (1944- 1945)
* Major His Highness Kshatriya Kulavatana Sena Sapta Sahasri Senapati Pratinidhi, Maharaja Srimant Sir Vikramsinhrao Puar, Maharaja of Dewas Senior, KCSI (1945- 1947)
* Major His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Shahaji II Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI (1947- 1962)
* Major-General His Highness Kshatriya-Kulawatasana Sinhasanadhishwar, Shrimant Rajashri Sir Shahaji II Chhatrapati Maharaj Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja of Kolhapur, GCSI (1962- 1983)

Honours of Shahoji II
Maharaja Shahoji II was honoured many times, these are mentioned below-
* King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935)
* King George VI Coronation Medal (1937)
* Star of the Order of Ahilya Holkar Sultanat (1943)
* 1939- 1945 Star (1945)
* Africa Star (1945)
* Italy Star (1945)
* British War Medal (1945)
* India Service Medal (1945)
* Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India- GCSI (1947) and KCSI (1941)
* Indian Independence Medal (1947)
* Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)

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