A 2200 Years
Old History The city of Kolhapur was founded about 2200 years back on the right bank of river Panchaganga. Therefore, it is one of the oldest urban centers of Maharashtra as well as India. Kolhapur or Hippocura as it was then called was the western capital of Andhras.

The period 325 BC to 1306 AD is known as Ancient Hindu period. The first King of this dynasty was Krishnaraja Mahalaxmi
Temple The Andhra period was succeeded by the Chalukyas period (500 AD to 750 AD). This period is represented by a large number of inscriptions. Under these rulers more than half a dozen temples were built.

In about 634 AD, the King Karnadeva of Chalukya Dynasty had begun the construction of Mahalaxmi temple but he could not complete it during his lifet time. Nearly four century later, Shilahara and Chalukya came together and King Gandharadivya of Shilahar Dynasty finished the construction of temple and dedicated in to the Godess Mahalaxmi in about 9th century. Forts where
Built In Shilaharas power (975 AD to 1210 AD) The greatest of the dynasty was Bhoja II (1178-1209 AD). Who built six forts i.e. Bavada, Bhudhargad, Vishalgad, Panhala, Pawangad and Samangad.

Nearly 1360 Jain Bustis were built in the city. Rankala and other tanks were dug and built. Chh. Rajarshi
Shahu Maharaj Shahu Maharaj of the Bhonsle dynasty of Marathas was a Raja and the first Maharaja of the Indian princely state of Kolhapur. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, also known as Rajarshi Shahu was considered a true democrat and social reformer.