Shahu (also known as Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj or Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj) (26 June 1874 – 6 May 1922) of the dynasty of was (reign. 1894 – 1900) and a (1900-1922) of the .Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, also known as Rajarshi Shahu was considered a true democrat and social reformer. First Maharaja of the princely state of Kolhapur, he was an invaluable gem in the history of Maharashtra. Greatly influenced by the contributions of social reformer Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj was an ideal leader and able ruler who was associated with many progressive and path breaking activities during his rule