1. Introduction
Sir Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan, popularly known as Appasaheb Patwardhan, was the third ruler of the princely state of Sangli. Born on 14 February 1890, he belonged to the Patwardhan ruling family and became the ruler of Sangli in 1903 while still a student.
He later assumed full ruling powers in 1910 and spent decades involved in the administration and development of Sangli. His interests included public administration, education, agriculture, industry and the welfare of his people.
During the First World War, he supported the British Indian war effort and was subsequently given an honorary military rank. He also held important positions connected with India’s princely states and participated in wider political and constitutional discussions concerning India’s future.
After India’s independence, Chintamanrao Patwardhan signed the accession of Sangli to the Indian Union in 1948, bringing the separate existence of the princely state to an end.
In recognition of his contribution to public affairs, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1965. The official Padma Awards database lists him as “Capt. H H Raja Shrimant Chintamanrao Dhundirao Alias Appasaheb Patwardhan”, with the field Public Affairs and the state Maharashtra.
2. Quick Facts
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan |
| Other Name | Appasaheb Patwardhan |
| Native Name | चिंतामणराव धुंडीराव पटवर्धन |
| Title | Raja of Sangli / Shrimant Raja |
| Date of Birth | 14 February 1890 |
| Place of Birth | Sangli State, British India |
| Date of Death | 11 February 1965 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Ruler, administrator and public figure |
| Field of Achievement | Public Affairs and administration |
| State | Sangli, present-day Maharashtra |
| Reign | 1903–1948 |
| Full Ruling Powers | 1910 |
| Years Active in Public Life | Early 1900s–1948 as ruler; continued public significance thereafter |
| Major Award | Padma Bhushan |
| Award Year | 1965 |
| Award Field | Public Affairs |
| Awarding Authority | Government of India |
| Major Historical Role | Ruler of Sangli and signatory to accession to the Indian Union |
The Government of India’s official Padma database confirms his 1965 Padma Bhushan for Public Affairs.
3. Award Information
Padma Bhushan
Award Name
Padma Bhushan
Award Category
Public Affairs
The official Government of India Padma Awards database specifically lists Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan under Public Affairs.
Award Year
1965
Presented By
Government of India / President of India
The original Government of India Gazette notification dated 26 January 1965 states that the President was pleased to confer the Padma Bhushan on:
“Captain His Highness Raja Shrimant Chintamanrao Dhundirao alias Appasaheb Patwardhan, Raja of Sangli.”
Date of Ceremony
A separate, reliable source establishing the exact investiture ceremony date was not found in the accessible records.
This is worth noting because Chintamanrao Patwardhan died on 11 February 1965, only 16 days after the Padma Bhushan announcement in the Gazette. Therefore, it is safer for a blog to write:
“The award was officially announced on 26 January 1965. The exact presentation ceremony date is not established in the sources consulted.”
The official Gazette confirms the announcement date, while biographical sources give his date of death as 11 February 1965.
Citation / Official Reason
The official Gazette identifies the field as Public Affairs.
The award recognised his long public career as the ruler and administrator of Sangli and his contribution to public affairs.
Previous Recipients
The Padma Bhushan was first awarded in 1954 and had already been conferred on distinguished individuals in different fields before Patwardhan’s 1965 award.
In the 1964 Padma Bhushan list, notable recipients included:
- R. K. Narayan
- Tribhuvandas Kishibhai Patel
- Bal Gandharva
- Khushwant Lal Wig
- T. N. Ramachandran
- Chintaman Govind Pandit
The official database records these recipients and their respective fields.
Other 1965 Padma Bhushan Recipients
Patwardhan was one of 25 Padma Bhushan awardees in 1965. Other recipients included:
- Satyajit Ray
- Jayant Narlikar
- Triguna Sen
- Joginder Singh Dhillon
- Harbaksh Singh
- Nawang Gombu
- Shantanu Lakshman Kirloskar
- Varghese Kurien
The official Government database provides the complete 1965 list.
Next Recipients
The Padma Bhushan was also awarded in 1966 to several prominent personalities, including:
- Verghese Kurien
- Zubin Mehta
- Vikram Sarabhai
- Homi Sethna
- Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai
- K. Shankar Pillai
There is no single “next recipient” because the Padma Bhushan is awarded to multiple people every year.
4. Why Did Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan Receive the Award?
Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan received the Padma Bhushan in 1965 for Public Affairs.
His recognition was connected with his long public career as the ruler of Sangli and his involvement in the administration and development of the state.
As ruler, he took an active interest in improving Sangli’s social and economic development. Historical accounts describe efforts associated with:
- Administrative reforms
- Education
- Agriculture
- Industrial development
- Public institutions
- Representative institutions
- Financial support for agriculture and industry
His role during the transition from princely rule to independent India was also significant. He signed Sangli’s accession to the Indian Union in 1948.
The official award classification of Public Affairs is therefore particularly relevant to understanding why he was honoured.
5. Early Life
Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan was born on 14 February 1890 in Sangli State.
He was born into the Patwardhan ruling family, which had governed Sangli for generations.
The second ruler of Sangli, Dhundiraj Chintamanrao Patwardhan, died without a male heir in 1901. Chintamanrao’s father, Vinayakrao Bhausaheb, was selected as successor through adoption, and Chintamanrao subsequently became ruler of Sangli.
At the time of his succession in 1903, Chintamanrao was still a student. This meant that he initially ruled under a regency while continuing his education.
His early years were therefore shaped by two responsibilities: preparation for leadership and education.
6. Education
Chintamanrao studied at the Rajkumar College, Rajkot, an institution established for the education of princes and members of ruling families.
He was still studying there when he succeeded to the Sangli throne in 1903.
After completing his education and reaching the required age, he was formally invested with full ruling powers on 2 June 1910.
His education at Rajkumar College prepared him for administration and leadership within the princely-state system.
7. Career Journey
Becoming the Raja of Sangli
Chintamanrao became the ruler of Sangli on 15 June 1903.
Because he was still a minor, administrative responsibilities were initially handled through a regency arrangement.
He received full ruling powers on 2 June 1910.
Administration of Sangli
Once he assumed full authority, Chintamanrao took an active interest in the administration of Sangli.
Historical accounts describe Sangli’s development during the Patwardhan era in areas such as education, agriculture, industry and public administration.
His administration was associated with the expansion of educational opportunities and development of institutions.
Development and Public Welfare
Historical accounts of Sangli describe the Patwardhan administration as encouraging:
- Agricultural development
- Industrial development
- Educational institutions
- Financial institutions
- Local representative bodies
- Public administration
A historical account of the Sangli ruling family describes the state as developing materially, educationally and politically under the Patwardhan rulers, including expansion of educational facilities and support for agriculture and industry.
First World War
During the First World War, Chintamanrao supported the war effort.
On 14 October 1919, he was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant in recognition of services rendered during the war.
Military Honours
His connection with military service continued through honorary ranks.
In 1938, he was raised to the honorary rank of Captain in the Army.
The Government of India’s 1965 Gazette itself identifies him as Captain His Highness Raja Shrimant Chintamanrao Dhundirao alias Appasaheb Patwardhan.
Role in Wider Indian Affairs
Chintamanrao was not limited to the administration of Sangli.
He took part in activities associated with the Chamber of Princes, India’s princely-state political organisation.
Historical accounts also associate him with the Indian Round Table Conferences in London and discussions concerning a federal constitutional structure for India.
Accession to Independent India
One of the most important decisions of his later public career came with India’s independence.
Chintamanrao signed the accession of Sangli to the Indian Union in 1948, ending the state’s separate existence as a princely state.
This placed him among the princely rulers involved in the political integration of India’s former princely states.
8. Major Achievements
1. Long-serving ruler of Sangli
Chintamanrao served as the ruler of Sangli from 1903 until the integration of the state into the Indian Union in 1948.
2. Administrative reforms
He took an active interest in the administration of Sangli and introduced reforms during his rule.
3. Educational development
The broader Patwardhan administration in Sangli promoted educational development and expanded access to educational institutions.
4. Agricultural and industrial development
Historical accounts credit the Sangli administration with promoting agricultural and industrial development.
5. Support for public institutions
The development of financial and representative institutions was part of the broader administrative development associated with Sangli’s rulers.
6. Participation in wider Indian political affairs
He participated in activities associated with the Chamber of Princes and constitutional discussions concerning India’s future.
7. Accession to India
He signed the accession of Sangli to the Indian Union in 1948.
8. Padma Bhushan
The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 1965 for Public Affairs.
9. Contribution to the Nation
Chintamanrao Patwardhan’s contribution can be understood in the context of India’s transition from princely rule to a unified independent nation.
Public Administration
He spent much of his life administering Sangli and working to develop its institutions.
Education
The development of educational facilities was an important part of the broader Sangli administration during the Patwardhan period.
Economic Development
Agriculture and industry received attention under the Sangli administration, contributing to the economic development of the state.
Political Transition
His decision to accede Sangli to the Indian Union in 1948 was an important step in the political integration of the former princely state into independent India.
National Public Life
His participation in the Chamber of Princes and constitutional discussions connected the affairs of Sangli with the larger political transformation taking place across India.
10. Other Awards and Honours
Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan received several titles and honours during his lifetime.
Honorary Lieutenant – 1919
On 14 October 1919, he received the honorary rank of Lieutenant in recognition of his services during the First World War.
KCIE – 1923
On 1 January 1923, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE).
11-Gun Personal Salute – 1927
In 1927, he was granted a personal salute of 11 guns, a significant ceremonial distinction for a princely ruler.
Honorary Captain – 1938
In 1938, he was raised to the honorary rank of Captain in the Army.
KCSI – 1946
In 1946, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI).
Padma Bhushan – 1965
He received the Padma Bhushan in 1965 for Public Affairs.
11. Legacy and Influence
Chintamanrao Patwardhan’s legacy is closely connected with the history of Sangli.
He belonged to the last generation of Indian princely rulers who governed before and during the transition to Independence.
His legacy has several dimensions:
Development of Sangli
His period of administration is associated with development in education, agriculture, industry and public institutions.
Political Integration
His accession of Sangli to the Indian Union represents the transition from princely-state administration to the political structure of independent India.
Public Affairs
The Government of India’s decision to confer the Padma Bhushan under Public Affairs reflects the national recognition of his public career.
Historical Importance
His life provides an example of how princely rulers participated in the changing political environment of India during the first half of the 20th century.
12. Interesting Facts
1. He became ruler while still a student
Chintamanrao succeeded to the Sangli throne in 1903, while he was still studying at Rajkumar College, Rajkot.
2. He received full ruling powers in 1910
Although he became ruler in 1903, he did not receive full ruling powers until 2 June 1910.
3. He was associated with Sangli for more than four decades
His reign began in 1903 and ended with the integration of Sangli into India in 1948.
4. He supported the First World War effort
His wartime service and support were recognised by the award of an honorary military rank in 1919.
5. He had an 11-gun personal salute
In 1927, he was granted a personal salute of 11 guns.
6. He was a Knight Commander twice
He received the KCIE in 1923 and the KCSI in 1946.
7. He was involved in constitutional discussions
He participated in activities associated with the Chamber of Princes and Indian constitutional discussions.
8. He signed Sangli’s accession to India
His signature on the accession agreement helped bring Sangli into the Indian Union.
9. He died only days after the Padma Bhushan announcement
The Padma Bhushan was officially announced on 26 January 1965, while Chintamanrao died on 11 February 1965.
10. The official award field was Public Affairs
The Government’s Padma database specifically categorises his 1965 award under Public Affairs, not Civil Service.
13. Quotes
There are very few reliably sourced personal quotations by Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan available in easily accessible historical sources.
Therefore, it is not advisable to attribute popular motivational statements to him without a primary source.
For a blog, you can instead use a historically accurate statement describing his public role:
Chintamanrao Patwardhan’s public life was closely connected with the administration and development of Sangli and the transition of the princely state into the Indian Union.
This is a summary of his historical role, not a direct quotation.
14. Timeline
| Year/Date | Event |
| 14 February 1890 | Born in Sangli State |
| 1901 | Family succession changes following the death of the second ruler |
| 15 June 1903 | Chintamanrao succeeds as Raja of Sangli |
| 1903 onward | Continues education at Rajkumar College, Rajkot |
| 2 June 1910 | Receives full ruling powers |
| 26 June 1910 | Marries Saraswatibai |
| 1914–1918 | First World War period |
| 14 October 1919 | Receives honorary rank of Lieutenant |
| 1 January 1923 | Becomes Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) |
| 1927 | Granted personal 11-gun salute |
| 1938 | Raised to honorary rank of Captain in the Army |
| 1946 | Becomes Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) |
| 1947 | India becomes independent |
| 1948 | Sangli accedes to the Indian Union |
| 26 January 1965 | Government of India announces his Padma Bhushan |
| 11 February 1965 | Dies, aged 74 |
| 1965 | Official Padma Awards records list him as Padma Bhushan recipient for Public Affairs |
The official Gazette confirms the 26 January 1965 Padma Bhushan notification.
15. References
Government of India – Padma Awards
The most important source for the award information is the official Padma Awards database.
It records:
Capt. H H Raja Shrimant Chintamanrao Dhundirao Alias Appasaheb Patwardhan — Padma Bhushan — 1965 — Public Affairs — Maharashtra.
Government of India Padma Awards Database
The Gazette of India – 1965
The original Government of India Gazette notification dated 26 January 1965 officially announced his Padma Bhushan.
The Gazette of India – Padma Awards 1965 PDF
Historical Sources
Additional historical information about Chintamanrao Patwardhan and the Sangli ruling family can be cross-checked with:
- The Golden Book of India by Sir Roper Lethbridge
- Indian States: A Biographical, Historical, and Administrative Survey
- Maharashtra State Gazetteers
- The India Office and Burma Office List
- Historical accounts of Sangli State
The biographical sources cited in historical references provide details about his succession, education, honours and administrative career.
16. Related Personalities
Vijaysinghrao Madhavrao Patwardhan
He succeeded Chintamanrao Patwardhan as the head of the Sangli ruling family after the integration of the princely state.
Chintaman Rao I “Appa Sahib”
An earlier ruler of Sangli and an important predecessor in the Patwardhan dynasty.
Dhundirajrao Chintamanrao Patwardhan
The second ruler of Sangli and an important figure in the succession history that eventually brought Chintamanrao Dhundirao to the throne.
Saraswatibai Patwardhan
Chintamanrao’s wife, who was recognised for public service to women in Sangli and received the Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal, First Class, in 1929.
Mehdi Nawaz Jung
A prominent 1965 Padma Vibhushan recipient in the field of Public Affairs. The Government of India’s records list him among the leading public-affairs awardees of that year.
Krishnaswami Ayyar Balasubramania Ayyar
A fellow 1965 Padma Bhushan recipient in Public Affairs.
Mir Akbar Ali Khan
Another 1965 Padma Bhushan recipient in Public Affairs.
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan?
Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan, also known as Appasaheb Patwardhan, was the third ruler of the princely state of Sangli.
When was Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan born?
He was born on 14 February 1890.
Where was Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan born?
He was born in Sangli State, in present-day Maharashtra.
What was his popular name?
He was popularly known as Appasaheb Patwardhan.
When did he become Raja of Sangli?
He became ruler of Sangli on 15 June 1903.
How old was he when he became ruler?
He was approximately 13 years old when he succeeded to the Sangli throne.
Where did he study?
He studied at Rajkumar College, Rajkot.
When did he receive full ruling powers?
He received full ruling powers on 2 June 1910.
Which award did Chintamanrao Patwardhan receive?
He received the Padma Bhushan.
When did he receive the Padma Bhushan?
The Government of India officially announced his Padma Bhushan on 26 January 1965.
What was the field of his Padma Bhushan?
His official award field was Public Affairs.
Which state was associated with his Padma Bhushan?
The official Padma database lists Maharashtra.
What was Chintamanrao Patwardhan’s contribution?
His contribution included administration and development of Sangli, promotion of education and economic development, participation in wider public affairs, and involvement in the transition of Sangli into the Indian Union.
Did he support the First World War effort?
Yes. His services during the First World War were recognised with an honorary military rank in 1919.
What military honour did he receive?
He received the honorary rank of Lieutenant in 1919 and was later raised to the honorary rank of Captain in 1938.
What British honours did he receive?
He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) in 1923 and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in 1946.
Did he have a gun salute?
Yes. In 1927, he was granted a personal salute of 11 guns.
When did Sangli join India?
Sangli acceded to the Indian Union in 1948. Chintamanrao Patwardhan was involved in this transition.
When did Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan die?
He died on 11 February 1965, aged 74.
Did he receive the Padma Bhushan before his death?
The official Padma notification was issued on 26 January 1965, while his recorded date of death was 11 February 1965. Therefore, the award announcement occurred during his lifetime, but the accessible sources consulted do not establish the exact presentation ceremony date.
Conclusion
Sir Chintamanrao Dhundirao Patwardhan, popularly known as Appasaheb Patwardhan, was an important ruler and public figure in the history of Sangli and Maharashtra.
He became the Raja of Sangli as a young student, later assumed full ruling powers and spent decades involved in the administration and development of the state. His period of public life was associated with educational, agricultural, industrial and institutional development.
His participation in the affairs of India’s princely states and his eventual role in the accession of Sangli to the Indian Union made him part of the wider political transition from princely India to independent India.
The Padma Bhushan awarded in 1965 for Public Affairs was the highest national recognition of his public career. The official Government of India record is particularly important because it confirms the award’s year, field and state.
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