noun
rajah
RAH-juh/ˈrɑdʒə/
A king or prince in India or Southeast Asia.
The rajah hears a petition from his carved seat.
Etymology
Sanskrit rājan meant “king.” English uses the title for Indian rulers both independent and subordinate to another ruler, which explains its range from king to local prince.
In context
the proud Indian Rajah with his turbaned suite;
More examples
- The historical account describes a dispute between two rajahs.
- A portrait of the rajah hangs above the carved doorway.
- The guide explains how the rajah governed the state.
Forms
rajah · rajahs
Similar words
- ruler
- The general term without the regional title.
- maharajah
- Maharajah is a related title conventionally rendered great king; rajah is the simpler king or prince title.