Hari Vansh Patwardhans of Miraj
The Royal Family of Miraj
For over two and a half centuries the Patwardhans have been custodians of Miraj Fort and of the town that grew around it — warriors of the Maratha Empire and its vanguard in the south against the Nizam, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, rulers of the Miraj (Senior) State, and patrons of its music, learning and faith.
Welcome
The Patwardhans of Miraj
The Patwardhan family were of the Chitpavan Brahmin community, originally from the village of Kotawde in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The patriarch of the family, Haribhat Baba, was the family priest of the Joshi family, Chiefs of Ichalkaranji. His sons entered the service of the Peshwas and distinguished themselves in campaign after campaign, and were rewarded with Jagirs that together covered the land between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
Although much reduced in size over time, these Jagirs were later recognised as Princely States under the British Raj — and the Rajas of Miraj, Sangli, Jamkhandi and Kurundwad were all lineal descendants of these Patwardhan brothers. In 1761 Peshwa Madhavrao granted the fort of Miraj to Govind Hari Patwardhan, and Miraj has been the seat of this family ever since.
From the Miraj State Album
Miraj, as it was
Explore
Our Heritage
History
From the medieval fort of the Silaharas to the Peshwa era, the Miraj State and its merger in 1948.
Read the history →
Ancestors
Haribhat Baba, Govind Hari, Parshuram Bhau and the rulers of Miraj (Senior) State.
Meet the ancestors →
The Family Today
The present members of the royal family who carry the legacy of Miraj forward.
Meet the family →
Head of the Family
His Highness Shrimant Gangadharrao Madhavrao alias Balasaheb Patwardhan Maharaj
Rajasaheb of Miraj
Born in Miraj in 1946, His Highness Balasaheb Maharaj is among the pioneering industrialists of his generation, the founder of Miraj Glass and of one of Pune’s first start-up incubators. In 2010 he founded the Miraj Trust, carrying forward the family’s service to the people of the former Miraj State.
His Highness Shrimant Madhavraje Ramraje alias Raosaheb Patwardhan Maharaj, Yuvarajsaheb of Miraj, is the next in line. Through the Miraj Trust and the Rajasaheb of Miraj Foundation, the family continues its long association with the people, temples and institutions of Miraj.
Get in touch
Contact the Family Office
For enquiries about the family, its history, events or the Foundation, please write to us.
Address
Devi Bhavan Palace
Bedag Road, Miraj 416410
Maharashtra, India
Phone & Email
Phone: +91 90110 77363
Email: patwardhansofmirajsr@gmail.com
officeofmadhavraje@gmail.com
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@patwardhansofmiraj