Ranoji Scindia

Ranoji Scindia
Maharaja
A plaque outside Shaniwar Wada in Pune
1st Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior
Reign1731–1745
SuccessorJayappaji Rao Scindia
Bornc. 1700
Died3 July 1745(1745-07-03) (aged 44–45)
Shujalpur, Malwa, Maratha Empire modern day Madhya Pradesh, India
SpouseMaina Bai
Chima Bai
IssueJayappaji Rao Scindia
Dattaji Rao Scindia
Jyotiba Rao Scindia
Tukoji Rao Scindia
Mahadji Scindia
HouseScindia
FatherJankoji Scindia I
ReligionHinduism
Military career
Allegiance Maratha Empire
Rank Sardar
Maharaja
CommandsGwalior State
Conflicts

Ranoji Scindia (c. 1700 – 3 July 1745), also known as Ranoji Sendrak, was a Maratha military commander and the founder of the Scindia dynasty, and the first monarch establishing the Gwalior State as an independent ruler. He served the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire in several military campaigns. The Scindia dynasty rose to prominence in the 18th century and went on to dominate central and north India as one of the most prominent powers due to their influential presence in Delhi and their highly modernized army.