Renuka Das Bhalerao
Renuka Das Bhalerao Sham Raj Bahadur | |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister of the Hyderabad | |
| In office 1795–1797 | |
| Monarch | Sikandar Jah |
| Preceded by | Arastu Jah |
| Succeeded by | Arastu Jah |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Renuka Das Bhalerao 1 July 1765 Hyderabad, Hyderabad State (present-day Telangana, India) |
| Died | 28 May 1822 (aged 56) Hyderabad, Hyderabad State (present-day Telangana, India) |
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| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Mysore War Third Anglo-Mysore War Siege of Seringapatam Fourth Anglo-Mysore War |
Sham Raj I (1 June 1765 – 28 May 1822); born as Renuka Das Bhalerao, popularly known as Raja Sham Raj Rai Rayan, was a general, a statesman, and an Indian noble who served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad. He is also known as Raja Shan Rai Rayan Renuka Das.
Born to a Hindu Brahmin family which traces its roots to Raja Krishnaji Pant, Bhalerao studied under the patronage of Nizam. He was a childhood friend of the Nizam and was a staunch Nizam loyalist throughout his life. In 1785 he was given the title of "Diyanatwanth" and mansab, 2,000 cavalry, and jewelry. In 1786 he became the peshkar (deputy minister) of the state. Some years later, Nizam appointed him dewan (prime minister) of the state during the absence of Arastu Jah to Poona.