Kolhapur

History and Culture of Kolhapur

Kolhapur has a history of more than 2,000 years. Its history can broadly be divided into three periods: the Ancient Period, the Medieval Period and the Modern Period.

Ancient Period

The ancient period extends approximately up to the 9th century. During this time, settlements existed at Bramhapuri before the construction of the Mahalaxmi Temple.

Medieval Period

The medieval period began with the construction of the Mahalaxmi Temple. During this period, the temple became an important religious and political centre of the city.

Modern Period

The modern period began with the establishment of the British Residency between 1844 and 1848.

Kolhapur and the Maratha Legacy

Kolhapur represents an important surviving legacy of the Maratha power established by Shivaji. After Shivaji's death in 1680, disputes over succession led to the emergence of two separate lines of the Maratha royal family.

The line descended from Shivaji's elder son established its capital at Satara, while the line descended from his younger son took control of the southern territories and eventually established its capital at Kolhapur.

The Kolhapur rulers initially established themselves at Panhala, surrounded by the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Western Ghats, before transferring their capital to the historic commercial city of Kolhapur.

Kolhapur Under British Rule

During the early 19th century, Kolhapur came under increasing British influence. British troops intervened in the state during the 1820s and again in the 1840s when peripheral areas rebelled. In 1857, Kolhapur troops also mutinied.

After the rebellion, the British changed their approach and placed greater emphasis on education and administrative development. Shahu Chhatrapati ascended the throne in 1894, after which Kolhapur became known for social reforms and public buildings.

Under Shahu and later his son Rajaram, Kolhapur developed as a centre of social reform, public works and outdoor sports.

How to Reach Kolhapur

By Air

Kolhapur has an airport near Ujlaiwadi, approximately 13 km from the city centre. The airport provides connectivity with major cities in India.

By Train

Kolhapur has its own railway station, known as Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus. It is connected with Mumbai, Pune, Tirupati, Bangalore and Ahmedabad through direct and regular trains.

By Road

Kolhapur is approximately 395 km from Mumbai and 225 km from Pune. It is well connected by road with cities in Maharashtra and neighbouring states.

State buses, private transport and taxis are available from major cities in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa, as well as some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Monuments and Places of Interest

Kolhapur is known as a city of magnificent temples and is an important religious centre of Maharashtra. Located among the Sahyadri hills and near the Panchganga River, the city is known for its temples, palaces, gardens and historic Maratha architecture.

The Mahalaxmi Temple remains one of the most important religious landmarks of Kolhapur.

Archaeological Heritage

Kolhapur was an important Buddhist centre during the 3rd century BC. Archaeological evidence has also been discovered in the region.

The city, also known as Karveer and Dakshin Kashi, experienced periods of decline and destruction during the 8th and 9th centuries. The Rashtrakuta rulers later contributed to its revival and development.

Archaeological excavations carried out near a hill in Kolhapur in 1945 revealed remains of a prehistoric settlement believed to have connections with the Roman period.

Shahu Maharaj

Shahu Maharaj became the ruler of Kolhapur in 1894. He was known for his concern for the welfare of his subjects and made significant efforts toward the development of the state and its people.

Kolhapur became part of India in 1947. The city still preserves palaces, gardens and monuments that reflect its royal Maratha and Indo-British architectural heritage.

Hotels in Kolhapur

• Hotel Tourist
• Hotel International
• Hotel Opal
• Hotel Ayodhya
• Hotel Vijayraj
• Hotel Rajat
• Valley View Grand
• Hotel Hill Top
• Hotel Victor Palace
• Hotel Woodland Kolhapur
• Hotel Panchshil
• Shalini Palace Hotel
• Hotel Rajpurush
• Hotel Raysons Regency
• Hotel Vrishali Executive