maharajah
UK[ˌmɑːhəˈrɑːdʒə]US[ˌmɑːhəˈrɑːdʒə]
n
a king or prince in india, especially one ruling a significant state.
Etymology
the word 'maharajah' entered english in the late 17th century, borrowed directly from hindi 'mahārājā', which itself descends from the classical sanskrit compound 'mahārājan', meaning 'great king'. the sanskrit elements are 'mahā-' (great) and 'rājan' (king, ruler), a term with deep roots in the indo-iranian and proto-indo-european linguistic tradition, where a related form denoted a tribal chief or leader. as british colonial presence in india expanded, the title was adopted into english to refer specifically to powerful indian rulers, preserving its original sense of exalted royalty and sovereignty within its cultural context.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from hindi/sanskrit and is not productively segmented using english morphemes. the original sanskrit components are 'maha' (great) and 'raja' (king), but in the english spelling 'maharajah', these are not independent, separable morphemes.
Examples
the maharajah's palace was famed for its opulence and vast collection of jewels.
in the historical treaty, the maharajah ceded certain territories to the british crown.
the ceremony was attended by the maharajah and his entire court.