top of page

Ichalkaranji
इच्चलकरणजी

—Pngtree—black crown arc silhouette crownclipart_5572345.png

Ruling Family: Ichalkaranji Ghorpade

Type: Jagir

Previous State: Kolharpur

Current State: Maharashtra

Established: 1698

Accession: 1947

ichalkaranji_coa_edited.png
Ichalkaranji Palace.jpeg

Ichalkaranji Palace

Flags

Current

National Flag of India

Screen Shot 2024-04-29 at 10.25.26 PM.png

Banner of Maharashtra

Former

British_Raj_Red_Ensign.svg.png

Flag of the British Raj

Flag of the House Ghorpade

Screen Shot 2024-04-29 at 9_edited_edite

Flag of the Maratha Empire

ichalkaranji_flag.png

Flag of the Ichalkaranji Ghorpades

Ichalkaranji - Shrimant Govindrao Ghorpade, Ichalkaranji.jpeg
Ichi - Narayan Rao_edited.jpg

Shrimant Govindrao (Aba Saheb) Ghorpade

Chief of Ichalkaranji, 1864-1876

Shrimant Narayanrao Govindrao (Baba Saheb) Ghorpade

Chief of Ichalkaranji, 1876-1943

A Brief History

Ichalkaranji, located on the banks of the Panchganga River in Maharashtra, was a Maratha jagir with a rich history that traces back to the mid-17th century. The province was ruled by the Babasaheb Ghorpade family for two centuries until it joined the new State of India in 1947, highlighting its long-standing governance under a single dynasty.

The origin of the Maratha rulers of Ichalkaranji began with a young boy named Naro Mahadeo, who moved from the Konkan region to the village of Kapshi. Here, he caught the attention of Maratha General Santaji Ghorpade by his natural skill in horse riding. Naro's exceptional abilities and heroics in cavalry led to his rapid rise within the ranks and eventual reward with tax-collecting fiefs, solidifying his family’s status and changing his surname to Ghorpade.

A pivotal alliance was formed when Venkatrao, son of Naro Mahadeo, married Anubai, daughter of Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, who was the Prime Minister or Peshwa of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. This marriage significantly raised the prominence of the Ichalkaranji rulers within the Maratha Empire.

Under the reign of Narayanrao Babasaheb, the eighth ruler who ascended the throne in 1892, Ichalkaranji saw substantial progress in administration and culture. Narayanrao Babasaheb, with a broad and advanced education coupled with extensive travel, brought a wealth of knowledge and innovation to his rule. He was a patron of the arts and classical music and supported educational initiatives and the cooperative movement, profoundly influencing the industrial and cultural development of Ichalkaranji.

Narayanrao Babasaheb's efforts transformed Ichalkaranji into an industrial town, especially noted for its decentralized textile industry, which began with the installation of the first power loom in 1904 by Vitthalrao Datar, under the patronage of the ruler. His initiatives in cooperative movements were inspired by his travels in Western countries and aimed at enhancing the prosperity and self-sustainability of his people.


The rulers of Ichalkaranji, particularly during the era of Narayanrao Babasaheb, not only navigated the complexities of their time but also set a foundation for future growth, merging traditional governance with modern reforms. The legacy of the Ghorpades of Ichalkaranji is a testament to their commitment to the welfare and advancement of their subjects, embodying a blend of valor, vision, and progressive governance that has left a lasting impact on the region.

Titulature

Position/Relation

Chief (Lord Paramount)* of Ichalkaranji

Heirs, Consorts, & Descendents

Titulature

Shrimant (Given Name) Ghorpade, Chief (Lord Paramount) of Ichalkaranji

Shrimant (Given Name) Ghorpade, Lord/Lady of the Estate of Ichalkaranji

* Duke, the rank equivalent applied by the Raj suzerainty, is commonly used by the Lord Paramount of a jagir.

Genealogy

  • Shrimant Naro Mahadeo Joshi (1698-1720) - Originally adopted by Shrimant Santaji Ghorpade, granted the inam of Ichalkaranji. Died in 1720.

  • Shrimant Venkatrao Narayanrao Ghorpade (1720-1745) - Born 1701, married Shrimant Anubai Sahiba, daughter of the first Maratha Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath. Died in 1745.

  • Shrimant Narayanrao Venkatrao Ghorpade (1745-1770) - Died in 1770.

  • Shrimant Venkatrao Narayanrao II Ghorpade (1770-1795)

  • Shrimant Narayanrao Babasaheb Ghorpade (1795-1827) - Led the industrial revolution in Ichalkaranji, promoting it as the "Manchester of Western India."

  • Shrimant Venkatrao Narayanrao III Ghorpade (1827-1838)

  • Shrimant Keshavrao Venkatrao Tatyasaheb Ghorpade (1838-1852)

  • Shrimant Narayanrao Govindrao Babasaheb Ghorpade (1852-1864) - Focused on turning Ichalkaranji into an industrial superstate.

  • Shrimant Govindrao Abasaheb Ghorpade (1864-1876) - Born 1853, adopted the son of Laxman Joshi in 1876, who then became known as Shrimant Narayanrao Govindrao Babasaheb Ghorpade. Died in 1876.

  • Shrimant Narayanrao Govindrao Babasaheb Ghorpade (1876-1943) - Born 1870, educated extensively, and served as a member of the Bombay Legislative Council for 12 years. Married Shrimant Rani Gangabai but had no direct heirs, leading to an adoption to continue the lineage. Died in 1943.

  • Interregnum (1944-1946) - Following Narayanrao Babasaheb's death, confusion over succession led to temporary appointments and legal disputes. Rani Gangabai Maisaheb eventually adopted Govindrao Abasaheb Ghorpade in 1946, resolving the disputes.

  • Shrimant Govindrao Abasaheb Ghorpade (1946-present) - Current chief, officially adopted and recognized following resolution of the succession disputes.

 

This is a reconciled genealogy consolidating extensive history information from multiple sources including the contributions of both living and deceased descendants, Indianrajputs.com, municipal birth, death, and marriage records, British and Indian military records, and a variety of other historical documents. The Ghorpade Dynasty Royal Archive is a repository of information and makes no claims to the accuracy of archived information. If you would like to contribute genealogical information, please Contact Us.

bottom of page