# maharaja

/ˌmɑhɝˈɑˌʒə/ (US) · /mˌæhɐɹˈɑːdʒɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maharaja
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The maharaja lived in a palace with many gardens.
- During the British colonial period, the maharaja maintained a degree of independence while paying a small tax to the empire.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.