Kolhapur

Kolhapur, a south western Indian city in the state of Maharashtra has been mentioned as Karvir in the Hindu mythology. In about the 3rd century BC, Kolhapur was an important Buddhist Center. There are entries in the old religious texts showing that once upon a time this city was a center of religion, religious power and trade. It has been also referred to as Dakshin Kashi. The history of Kolhapur can be divided into three time periods, the Hindu period up to 1347 AD, the Muslim period from 1347 to 1700 AD and the Maratha period from 1700 AD onwards.

History : During the regime of Saatwahan dynasty this city was very rich. But there is evidence to prove that this city was devastated in the 8th and the 9th century due to earthquakes. In the later years the 'Rashtrakuta' Kings re-established this city. In the 12th century this was the capital of the King Shildatta. During the British regime, Shri. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj became the King of Kolhapur in the year 1894. It was the capital of the former princely state of Kolhapur, which became part of India in 1947. The former state, which extended from the Western Ghats - mountains east to the Deccan plain, was a stronghold of the Hindu people known as the Marathas. Kolhapur had been a princely state during the British rule on India. At the time of independence Kolhapur was merged in India along with most of the other princely states. Kolhapur later played an important role in the development of the so- called Indo-Saracentic style of British colonial architecture the architect major Charles  Mant under the auspicious of the maharaja, blended western styles with Islamic , Jain and Hindu ones, resulting in building that would prove profoundly influential. Mant's work, which can be seen all over the city, include the city, includes the High school, and town  Hall; the central Library and the New Palace, now a museum.

The city of Kolhapur is situated amidst the Sahyadri mountain range on the banks of river Panchaganga. This city is surrounded from all directions by rivers. Kolhapur is famous as a center for traditional wrestling, Similar to "The Operation Flood" project in gujrat, in Kolhapur the "Warna Project" was started and till date is famous for huge amount of generation of milk and milk products which are transported to the whole of india. Kolhapur comes under sugarcane belt and because of this people are very rich and live prosperous life. Kolhapuri chappals are renowned for their durability and beauty of make.  Kolhapuri tobacco is also very famous.  It is an important centre of Marathi film industry. Kolhapur possesses historical as well as mythological importance. It is known as Dakshin kashi on account of its deity Mahalakshmi or Ambabai. The Ambabai temple was built by the Chalukya King Karnadeve in 634 AD. The Irwin Agricultural Museum of Kolhapur has some old Andhra coins. Bahubali, Jain Pilgrim centre, lies at a distance of 38 km from Kolhapur.