Kolhapur is a city situated in the southwest part of the state of Maharashtra, India. Kolhapur serves as the headquarters of the Kolhapur district. Before Independence, it was a princely state ruled by the Bhosale Chhatrapaties of the Maratha Empire. Kolhapur assumes a place amongst the cities having highest per capita income in the country and it is one of the fastest growing cities in Maharashtra. Kolhapur has known as ‘Dakshin (south) kashi’, ‘historical capital of Maharashtra state’, ‘Door of Konkan’ as well as ‘city of wrestlers ‘ and ‘city of arts’. It has also known as a ‘city of palaces and temples’. Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the River Panchaganga and is the location of the Temple of Mahalaxmi, a Hindu goddess.