Ratu Maharaj, or Raja of Ratu, is how Chintamani Sharan Nath Shahdeo was known till he died in July this year. With him draws to a close one of the world’s longest recorded dynasties. Dating back to 64 AD, it lasted 1,950 years. The Imperial House of Japan, a clan in Bulgaria and the Hong Bang dynasty of Korea are the other dynasties that have lasted as long, says Aditendra Nath Shahdeo, a cousin and official biographer of the last maharaja.