Rajaram II of Kolhapur

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.