Definition of "maharaja"

I speak from a very intimate knowledge of their ways and habits after having spent a very happy twenty years amongst them with friends in every degree, from the Maharaja himself to some of the humblest coolies.

1909, John Claude White, Sikhim and Bhutan, pages 7–8

Benny: Hey, T.C., what's a maharaja?Top Cat: What's a what?Benny: A maharaja.Top Cat: Oh, do I look like Daniel Webster? I didn't write no dictionary.

1961 October 4, “The Maharajah of Pookajee” (2:33 from the start), in Top Cat, season 1, episode 2