Newalkar Maharaja of Jhansi | |
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![]() Jhansi Fort hallway | |
![]() Flag of Jhansi | |
Details | |
Style | In the local Marathi, Sanskrit, Hindustani and Persian (local Bundeli) languages |
First monarch | Raghunath Rao I |
Last monarch | Damodar Rao[1] |
Formation | 1769 |
Abolition | 5 April 1858 |
Residence | Jhansi Fort, Jhansi |
Newalkar dynasty were Marathi Karhade Brahmins, who were the Maharajas of Jhansi from 1769 to 1858. Their family deity was goddess Mahalakshmi.[2][3] The Newalkars were sardars under Peshwa Madhavrao I, and later became Maharajas of Jhansi in Central India as an independent member of the Maratha Confederacy until 1818. Later, their kingdom became a princely state under the protectorate of British India.
The dynasty was founded with Raghunath Hari Newalkar,[3] who joined the service of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, and quickly rose to the ranks of Subedar.[4] The Newalkar Maharajas of Jhansi are a great patron of arts and music.[5] The name of the dynasty was associated with the title of the ruler, who was known informally as Newalkar Maharaja.
The rulers from this dynasty are as follows:
Some of the known Queens:
Most of the Newalkar family has migrated from Jhansi to various cities in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. There is only one Branch of Newalkar family still residing in Jhansi. The members are well known for their humanitarian work and are affiliated with various humanitarian organizations which provide free health care to poor people by organizing[14] health camps and also provide aid to schools for underprivileged children.[15] Priti Newalkar[16] was the President of Lions Club of Jhansi for 2020 - 2021 and Manish Newalkar has served as the President of Rotary Club Of Jhansi Rani for 2021 - 2022.[17]