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DictionarymaharajahIndian prince or ruler
noun

maharajah

mah-huh-RAH-juh/ˌmɑhəˈrɑdʒə/

An Indian prince or ruler of high rank.

The maharajah receives an official from his elevated throne.

Maharajah seated on elevated carved throne receives deferential court official bearing sealed document, visibly high rank; neutral white surround, no palace panorama or title text.
Etymology
mahaSanskritgreat
+rajahSanskritking

The components mean 'great king,' making the title an assertion of elevated royal rank. Its use for princes ruling extensive realms connects that literal greatness with the scope of their rule.

In context

Storytime Haven3:10
beginning with Peshawur, and winding up with the Maharajah of Malar Kadir. As the latter potentate is so well known
A Prince of Swindlers 👑💰 | A Tale of Deceit and Adventure by Guy Boothby

More examples

  • A portrait of the maharajah hung in the palace.
  • The historian studied the maharajah’s reign.
  • The collection included gifts from several maharajahs.

Forms

maharajah · maharajahs

Similar words

rajah
Rajah is a ruler title; maharajah indicates a higher or grander rank.
prince
Prince is a broad English title; maharajah belongs to particular South Asian ruling traditions.