Miraj Senior measured 339 square miles (880 km2) in area. According to the 1901 census, the population was 81,467. In 1901, the state enjoyed revenue estimated at £23,000, and paid £800 in tribute to the British Raj.[1] The Raja resided in the town of Miraj (population 18,425 in 1901), which was a junction on the Southern Maratha Railway.
The State of Miraj was founded before 1750 and was the former capital of the pre-British State of Sangli. In 1820, the state was divided between a Senior and Junior branch. The territory of both branches was widely scattered among other native states and British districts.[1]
The rulers of the Patwardhan dynasty used the title of Raja, and were of the same clan that ruled nearby Jamkhandi. Raja Govind Rao Patwardhan, 1st Ruler of Miraj, began as a cavalry commander, distinguished himself in several expeditions against the NizamofHyderabad and Hyder AliofMysore, established the Maratha ascendancy in southern India and pushed the Maratha conquests to the frontier of Mysore.
Miraj Senior acceded to the Dominion of India on 8 March 1948 and is currently a part of Maharashtrastate. Miraj is also famous for its musicians, and doctors. In the mid-nineties it had municipal corporation in combination with Sangli and thus lost the edge it had over the neighboring twin city of Sangli for two centuries.
