Ludvonga II vs Rajaram II of Kolhapur

Ludvonga II was designated as the crown prince and heir to the Swazi throne by his father King Mswati II. As the designated successor, he underwent traditional training and was prepared to assume leadership of the Swazi nation upon his father's death.

Ludvonga II died in 1874 before he could be formally crowned as King of Swaziland. His death occurred during a period of political tension, with some accounts suggesting poisoning. His passing created a succession crisis that led to the rise of King Mbandzeni.

Ludvonga's death without being crowned triggered a power struggle among Swazi royal factions. The conflict involved competing claims from different royal houses and required intervention by senior chiefs to resolve, ultimately leading to Mbandzeni's accession.

Rajaram II became Maharaja of Kolhapur at a young age following the death of his predecessor. He was the last ruler of Kolhapur from the direct line of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as he had no male heir.

Facing no biological male heir, Rajaram II adopted Shahu (later Shahu Maharaj) from the Bhonsle family of Satara. This adoption ensured the continuation of the Kolhapur dynasty and brought a progressive reformer to the throne.

Rajaram II died in 1870 without a biological son, ending the direct male line of Chhatrapati Shivaji. His death triggered the adoption of Shahu, which was later contested but ultimately upheld by the British.