ENGLISH
REFERENCE

maharaja

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˌmɑhɝˈɑˌʒə// UK //mˌæhɐɹˈɑːdʒɐ// ma·hara·ja

n. a king or ruler in India, especially one who ruled a large area. The title is often used for someone with great power and wealth.

n. a sovereign ruler of a princely state in India, typically one of the highest rank. When used in modern contexts, it often refers to the descendants of such rulers or the historical title itself.


SIMPLE

The maharaja lived in a palace with many gardens.

CONTEXTUAL

During the British colonial period, the maharaja maintained a degree of independence while paying a small tax to the empire.

COMPLEX

The collection of jewels and artifacts displayed in the museum was originally the private property of a maharaja who ruled the region for over a century.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Hindi महाराजा (mahārājā). First attested in 1698.

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