Shahu Maharaj was born on 26 June 1874 as Yeshwantrao Ghatge, eldest son of Appasaheb Ghatge, chief of Kagal (senior) by his wife Radhabai, a daughter of the Raja of Mudhol [Maharashtra]. He was adopted by Anandibai, widow of Raja Shivaji IV, in March 1884.

#ShahuMaharajJayanti

In 1894, he was crowned as king at the age of 20. During his accession Yeshwantrao was renamed as Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj.

Wrestling was one of his favourite sports and he patronised the sport throughout his rule.

On 26 July 1902, he took a path-breaking step. Amid stiff opposition from the Brahmins, he implemented 50% reservations for Dalits and the Backwards in educational institutions and in government jobs in his state.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was introduced to Dr. Ambedkar by artists Dattoba Pawar and Dittoba Dalvi. The Maharaja was greatly impressed by the great intellect of young Dr. Ambedkar and his revolutionary ideas regarding untouchability.

They organised a conference know as Mangaon parishad for betterment of untouchables during 21–22 March 1920 & the Chhatrapati made Dr. Ambedkar the Chairman as he believed that Dr. Ambedkar was the leader who would work for the amelioration of the segregated segments of society.

He even donated Rs. 2,500 to Dr. Ambedkar, when the latter started his newspaper ‘Mooknayak’ on 31 January 1921, and contributed more later for the same cause.

Shahu Maharaj established hostels for different ethnicities and religions, including Panchals, Devadnya, Nabhik, Shimpi, Dhor-Chambhar communities as well as for Muslims, Jains and Christians.

Shahu Maharaj introduced several scholarships for poor yet meritorious students from backward castes. He also initiated compulsory free primary education for all in his state.

He also worked towards betterment of the condition of women in his empire. He established schools to educate women, and also spoke vociferously on the topic of women's education. He legalised widow remarriage in 1917 and made efforts towards stopping child marriage.

He legalised inter-caste marriage.

In 1920, Shahu Maharaj introduced a law banning the devadasi Pratha.