Raj Rajeshwar Tukoji Rao II

Raj Rajeshwar Tukoji Rao II (1835, r. 1844-1886)
Maharaja of Indore

Albumen print on carte-de-visite, c. 1875
Size: 4 x 2.5 in. (10.2 x 6.4 cm)

Inscription: HH Holkar of Indore

Tukoji Rao II Holkar XI Bahadur was the son of Sardar Santoji Rao Holkar, from the collateral branch of the Holkar dynasty. His birth name was Shrimant Yukaji Jaswant Holkar.

Maharaja Marthand Rao Holkar claimed the throne on the death of Khande Rao Holkar II in 1844 but his request was denied by the British. That’s when one of the widows of Yashwant Rao Holkar, suggested the name of the younger son of Sardar Santoji Holkar (uncle of Marthand Rao). The proposal was accepted and the 12-year-old Jaswant Holkar was installed on 23 June 1844.

Tukoji Rao II started formally participating in the government affairs when he turned 16 in 1848. He further expanded his participation in the state affairs and on 8th March 1852, on turning 20 was granted full powers. He died at Maheshwar on 17th June 1886 and was succeeded by his eldest son Shivajirao Holkar, born in 1859.

We can see the cropped image of the Maharaja in this photograph and in the background we see an elbow of his attendant standing behind him. The Maharajah is dressed in royalty and has an elaborate headpiece of jewels complimenting the necklaces and has an embroidered emblem on his robe.