Maharaja: meaning, definitions and examples

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maharaja

 

[ məˈhɑːrəˌdʒɑː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

royalty title

Maharaja is a Sanskrit term meaning 'great king' or 'high king.' Historically, it has been used to denote the rulers of various Indian states and regions, particularly during the medieval and early modern periods. Maharajas were often sovereign kings or princes, governing their territories with a certain level of autonomy under the larger empires. The title is also associated with a blend of cultural and religious significance, symbolizing power, wealth, and the rich heritage of Indian royalty.

Synonyms

king, prince, ruler, sovereign

Examples of usage

  • The maharaja held a grand court.
  • She was invited to the maharaja's palace.
  • The maharaja's jewels were legendary.
  • The maharaja's reign was marked by prosperity.

Translations

Translations of the word "maharaja" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maharaja

🇮🇳 महाराजा

🇩🇪 Maharadscha

🇮🇩 maharaja

🇺🇦 махараджі

🇵🇱 maharadża

🇯🇵 マハラジャ

🇫🇷 maharaja

🇪🇸 maharajá

🇹🇷 maharaja

🇰🇷 마하라자

🇸🇦 مهراجا

🇨🇿 maharádža

🇸🇰 maharadža

🇨🇳 大 Maharaja

🇸🇮 maharadža

🇮🇸 maharaja

🇰🇿 махараджи

🇬🇪 მაჰარაჯა

🇦🇿 maharaja

🇲🇽 maharajá

Etymology

The word 'maharaja' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'maha' meaning 'great' and 'raja' meaning 'king.' It has been a significant title in Indian culture and traditions, dating back to ancient times, when regional rulers adopted it to showcase their status and authority. The use of the title became more prominent during the Mughal Empire and the subsequent states that emerged in India. During colonial times, maharajas played influential roles, often acting as intermediaries between the British crown and the local populace. Today, the title remains part of the cultural heritage of India, evoking images of grandeur, palaces, and royal history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,914, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.