Chhatrapati (also Chatrapati) is an honorific or title for an Indian ruler.

It most notably refers to Chhatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji's royal successors also held the title of Chhatrapati, as did the Maratha Maharajas of Kolhapur.

For the Marathas, the importance of the title Chhatrapati declined over the years, as first the Peshwas (Prime Ministers) and then the karbharis (chatelains of the Peshwas) came to exceed them in effective power.

The term has various possible derivations:

1. From Hindi/Urdu (chatra, also chhatri +pati ) meaning a person worthy of a ceremonial umbrella.
2. From Marathi (chatra + Marathi pati ) meaning a king or ruler — Chhatrapati indicates a person who gives shade to his followers and protects their success.

References

•   V.S. Kadam, 1993. Maratha Confederacy: A Study in its Origin and Development. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi.