Maharao is a variation on the Indian (mainly Hindu) royal title Maharaja, also meaning 'great king' in Hindi. It is composed of Maha- 'great' and the royal title Rao, a variation on Raja.

Ruler title in British India

Salute states (all in present India)

The gun salutes enjoyed by princely states that acceded to the Dominion of India on 14 August 1947, included the following Maharaos:

• Hereditary salute of 17-guns (19-guns local): the Maharao of Cutch
• Hereditary salute of 17-guns: the Maharao of Kotah
• Hereditary salute of 17-guns: the Maharao Raja of Bundi
• Hereditary salute of 15-guns: the Maharao Raja of Alwar

Non-salute states

(probably quite incomplete)

• Sirohi (Rao till 1889)

Other use

"Maharao" is also used as a given name and a surname in India:

• Dnyanesh Maharao (born 1960), writer and editor from Maharashtra
• Maharao Raghuveer Singh (born 1943), Indian historian

Sources

• Indian princely states