Raja facts for kids
A Raja (pronounced RAH-jah) is a special title for a ruler or prince. It comes from the ancient Sanskrit language. You can also spell it as Rajah. This title was often used for leaders from the Kshatriya group, which was a class of warriors and rulers in ancient India.
The title "Raja" has been used for a very long time. It appears in the Rigveda, one of the oldest books from India. This shows how important it was in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Sometimes, "Raja" can also be used as a name for people who are not royalty.
In Pakistan, many Muslim Rajput families still use "Raja" as a family title. It is passed down through generations. Hindus and Sikh people also use "Raja" as a first name.
Rajas in the Malay World
In Malaysia, the ruler of the state of Perlis is called the Raja of Perlis. Most other state rulers in Malaysia are called Sultans. Even though the title is different, the Raja of Perlis has the same high status as the Sultans. All these rulers work together to choose the Yang di-Pertuan Agong every five years. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is like the king of Malaysia.
Related Titles
- Maharaja: This title means "Great King" or "Great Raja." It is used for a ruler who is even more powerful than a Raja.
- Kshatriya: This was one of the main social groups in ancient India. It included warriors, rulers, and nobles. Rajas often came from this group.
- Rajput: This is a large group of people from India. Many Rajputs were historically rulers or warriors, and some still use the "Raja" title.
- Shah: This is another title for a king or ruler, often used in countries like Iran (formerly Persia).
Images for kids
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The Maharaja of Benares and his group in the 1870s.
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Raja Dhruv Dev of Jammu checking out a horse, painted by Nainsukh around 1740. Horses were often shown in front of a white sheet to see their shape better.
See also
In Spanish: Rajá para niños
