The Museum is housed on the ground floor of the New Palace- the current residence of Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur. The museum has on display memorabilia belonging to the Kolhapur rulers which include royal apparel, jewelry, coins, weapons, silver elephant saddles, one of Aurangzeb’s swords. A letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India are also a part of the collectibles to be seen. The magnificent Darbar Hall is in the centre of the Palace and the ambience has been recreated to give you a glimpse of Maratha history and its regal splendor. 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 at one end of the Hall. The Photo Gallery has many interesting pictures of royalty including one of the Maharajah with his hundredth dead tiger, elephant hunts and a series detailing how to train a cheetah.
A section of the museum is dedicated to wild life hunting that was then a royal sport. Stuffed Tigers, Tiger heads, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Wild Buffalo, Lion, Black Panther, Wild Boar, Black Buck, a number of other Deer varieties, and a Himalayan Black Bear can be seen here.
There is a small lake in the palace precincts with an open zoo that has several migratory birds like flamingoes. There are also peacocks, emus, spotted deer, geese. The zoo forms a good side attraction to the Museum which is a must for history buffs.
The New Palace is also known as Shahu Palace constructed between 1877–1884. It is located in Bawada, Kolhapur. It built using black polished stone and it has been an attration for tourists.
The palace is blessed with extensive premises with a garden, fountain and wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle with a clock on it which was fixed in 1877.
Even today, it is the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu, the direct descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Empire. It’s a Kings Palace where the King himself lives.
The ground floor of the New Palace accommodates the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, given over to memorabilia of the Kolhapur rulers. Several tourists from across the country visit the New Palace each year. This museum exhibits royal ways of existence.
Inside The New Palace
The Museum is dedicated to a fine collection of possessions of Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur like costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles.
The Shivaji Maharaja’s life events are painted on every single glass.
A letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India is the other memorabilia. There is also one sword of Aurangzeb at the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum.
One section has stuffed Tigers, Tiger heads, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, staring Wild Buffalo, Lion, Black Panther, Wild Boar, Black Buck, a number of other Deer varieties, and a Himalayan Black Bear.
The Darbar Hall occupies a huge-height space in middle of the Palace. On the side walls display lobed arches filled with stained glass illustrating scenes from the life of Shivaji Maharaj. Carved columns with temple-like brackets support the cast iron balcony above.
At the end of the hall a raised throne is placed. And the photos include one of the Maharajah with his hundredth dead tiger, elephant hunts and a series detailing how to train a cheetah.
Outside The New Palace
You can visit the New palace for free of cost. Only the museum requires a ticket to visit. One can purchase a ticket for the same on the left side of the first entrance gate at the very beginning.
There is a parking place inside. And a main entrance gate for the palace right beside it.
The palace has a small zoo in front of it having deer and peacocks and ducks. And the ground lake makes the view even spectacular. The area of the lake is sealed but you can enjoy the amazing view. And the peaking animals through the bars.
The Museum is open for public viewing on all days except Mondays from
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees
Adult: Rs 18/-
Children: Rs 6/-
NCC: Rs 6/–(in uniform)
Army/Police Personnel: Rs 12/-(in uniform)
Physically Challenged: Free( ticket essential)
School Excursion: Rs 6/-(Std I to VII) Rs 12/-(Std VIII to Std X)
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