A Brief History

The Princely State of Sandur, located in the region that is now part of Karnataka,  has a rich history deeply intertwined with the Ghorpade dynasty. The state was established around the early 18th century and was known for its strategic importance and rich iron ore mines. The Ghorpade rulers of Sandur were renowned for their administrative skills and played a central role in the region's development. Sandur's history is particularly marked by the Ghorpade House's strategic governance, significant role in regional politics, and martial prowess, like the other Ghorpade branches, traced back all the way to Karansinh Bhosale, the first Ghorpade. Bhimsinh, son of Karansinh, received the state of Mudhol and the hereditary title of Raje Ghorpade Bahadur. The Sandur House descends from Bhimsinh's son, Kheloji.

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Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the state experienced prosperity under enlightened leadership, which focused on the welfare of its people and the development of Sandur as a region. The Sandur Ghorpades were patrons of education and the arts, which led to the establishment of several cultural institutions. Notably, Maharaja Yeshwantrao Ghorpade, during his tenure from 1928 to 1996, implemented significant modern reforms that transformed the state into a modern principality.

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The Shivavilas Palace, built during this period, stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural taste of the Sandur royal family. Designed with a blend of Western and Indian styles, the palace was completed in 1940 and has since been a hallmark of Sandur's cultural heritage. Today, it serves as a hotel and a museum, housing a collection of artefacts, vintage cars, and a library rich with historical records.

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Sandur's history is marked by its integration into the Indian Union shortly after independence. On August 10, 1947, Raja Yeshwantrao Ghorpade, then ruler of Sandur, signed the Instrument of Accession to the Dominion of India. This act was a crucial step in integrating Sandur with the Indian state, leading to its merger with the Madras Presidency in 1949, and later becoming part of Mysore State, which was renamed Karnataka.

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The legacy of the Ghorpades continues to be remembered for its contribution to the cultural and economic fabric of the region, blending a strong martial heritage with progressive governance policies that promoted education and industrial development​. Sandur's integration into the Indian Union in 1947 marked the end of its status as a princely state but opened a new chapter as part of the thriving democratic nation of India. The legacy of its rulers continues to influence the region, remembered for their contribution to the modern cultural and social fabric.

Titulature

Position/Relation

King of Sandur

Queen of Sandur

Heir Apparent

Sons of the King

Daughters of the King 

Daughters of the King (Marital Naming)

Other Descendants of the King

Consort of a Descendant of the King (Male)

Consort of a Descendant of the King (Female)

Titulature

Shrimant Maharaj Shri (Given Name) Ghorpade Hindurao, Mamlukatmadar Senapati, Raja of Sandur

Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati Rani (Given Name) Ghorpade, Rani Sahib of Sandur

Yuvraj Shrimant Shri (Given Name) Ghorpade, Yuvraj Sahib of Sandur

Rajkumar Shrimant (Given Name) Raje Sahib Ghorpade, Prince of Sandur

Rajkumari Shrimant (Given Name) Raje Sahib Ghorpade, Princess of Sandur

Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati (Given Name) Raje (Marital Surname), Princess of Sandur

Shrimant (Given Name) Raje (Ghorpade), Prince/Princess of Sandur

Shrimant (Given Name) Raje (Marital Surname), Prince of Sandur

Shrimant Akhand Soubhagyavati (Given Name) Raje (Marital Surname), Princess of Sandur

Genealogy