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It is the glory of the city. Being the biggest & oldest
building, it has historical importance. When Kolhapur became
self-governed, this place was built.
 It
has fine and sound construction with 14 squares. In about
1813, the Muslim knight Sadakhan invaded the palace and a part
of it was burnt. After repair, 7 squares survived. At the
center there is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani.
History tells that Shambhu alias Abasaheb Maharaj was killed
in this very Mandap. Near by stands a body-built statue to
commemorate Shahu Maharaj. As a memory of his hunting a
stuffed tiger and buffalo are kept. Tomb to right with
coloured fishes and a tiny temple of Lord Shiva, all appears
to be history incarnate! Opposite to the temple is a grand
hall-pendal which was erected in 1918 A.D when Shreemant
Akkasaheb Maharaj, daughter of Shahu Maharaj was married.
Further, during 1926-30 Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj gave a new
form to it. Taking away original wooden arches, the hall was
made tall and splendid. Within the compound walls of the
Mandap, Motibag Gymnasium, Rajwada Police Station, Maharashtra
Battalion are working on a splendid entrance gate.
VITTHAL TEMPLE
The Blackstone built Vittal Temple complex is situated half km
south of Bhavani Mandap Beautifully stone carved Temple is
built in Hemadpanthi Style. The carving style indicates that
this complex is built prior to that of Mahalaxmi Temple
complex.
RAJARAM HIGH SCHOOL
Kolhapur's King Rajaram II, who ruled from 1866 to 1870 A.D.
was of modern views. He wanted to provide facilities like
educational and medical to the people Kolhapur state. As a
first step he wanted start a Highschool. He appointed Major
Charles Mant, the British Royal Engineer, as architect. But
before the work started Rajaram died at Florence, Italy, while
on Europe tour. Mant has first built His cenotaph on the banks
of river Arno, Italy. He built this school building in1879. He
used the useful scientific Roman Neolithic style, together
with native style. This mixed style was named as 'Indo-Daracenic'
style. Thus this building is one of the most early building of
'Indo-Saracenic' style. This beautifully built blackstone
building is one of the best building of such type.
NAGAR VACHAN MANDIR
This is the second creation of Charles Mant in Kolhapur. In
this beautifully built Niogothic blackstone building Mant has
used native style dome for porch. This is the first step to
what is called 'Indo-Saracenic' style.
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Other Attractions:
Mahalami Temple
||
Jotiba
||
Tryamboli (Temblai)
||
Kashi Vishveshwar
||
Bahubali
||
Katyani Devi
||
Khidrapur
||
Kaneri
Math
||
Shankaracharya
Cloister (Math)
||
Panhala
||
Vishalgad
||Shalini
Palace
|| New Palace ||
Bhavani Mandap
||
Town Hall
||
Rankala
||
Narsinhwadi
||
Kotiteertha
||
Panchganga
Ghat
|| Dajipur Sanctuary
|| Shivaji University |
