|
|
The Maharajah's New Palace, located 2-km north on Bhausingji
Road in Kolhapur, was built in 1884, following
a fire at the Rajwada. Designed by Major Mant, its style fuses Jain and
Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local touches from the
Rajwada, while remaining indomitably Victorian, with a prominent clock
tower.
The present Maharajah lives on the first floor, while the ground floor
holds an absorbing collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewellery,
embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles. Other
memorabilia includes a letter from the British Viceroy and Governor
General of India, who writes "to his highness Sir Shahu Chattrapati
Maharaj GCSF of Kolhapur government. I hereby confer upon you the title of
Maharajah as an hereditary distinction."
The
interior of New Palace accommodates the Shahaji Chhatrapti Museum, given
over to memorabilia of the Kolhapur rulers. In a single room one will find
ten stuffed Tigers, six Tiger heads, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, staring Wild
Buffalo, Lion, Dik Dik (tiny deer), Black Panther, Wild Boar, Black Buck,
a number of other Deer varieties, and a Himalayan Black Bear.
The Darbar Hall occupies a double-height space in middle of the Palace.
The side walls display lobed arches filled with stained glass illustrating
scenes from the life of Shivaji; carved columns with temple-like brackets
support the cast iron balcony above. A raised throne is placed at one end
of the Hall. Photos include one of the Maharajah with his hundredth dead
tiger, elephant hunts and a series detailing how to train a cheetah.
Closed on: Mondays
Timings: 9.30am-1.00pm and 2.30-6.00pm
Kolhapur is well connected by air, rail and road with the important places withn and beyond the state. For city transportation taxis, auto rickshaws and city buses are available.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Kolhapur.