Q. Who was the last ruler of Kolhapur who presided over the state until its accession to India on August 14, 1947?
Answer: Maharaja Shahaji II
Notes: Maharaja Shahaji II was the last ruler of Kolhapur. Kolhapur acceded to India on August 14, 1947, merged into Bombay State in 1949, and later became part of Maharashtra after its formation in 1960. The historical kingdom’s territory aligns with modern Kolhapur district.