The origin of Kolhapur goes down in Hindu mythology and it is believed that Kolhapur was the home of Kolhasur, a demon who was killed by Goddess Mahalakshmi to deliver the local people of their misery. The city was named Kolhapur as per the demon's last wish to have the city named after him. Religiously Kolhapur was an important Buddhist destination in the 6th century BC and also finds mention in the Devi Gita. Historically Kolhapur was also where an intense conflict took place between the Western Chalukyas and the Chola Kings, Rajadhiraja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola 2. It was after the Battle of Koppam in 1052 that Rajendra Chola 2 annexed Kolhapur and constructed a Jayasthamba (victory pillar) in the city.
Kolhapur is famous for the Kolhapuri Chappal (a kind of open leather flip flop) and delicious cuisine such as Kolhapuri Lavangi Mirchi, Kolhapuri Gul, Kolhapuri Masala, Tambada Rassa (a red meat preparation) and Sukka Mutton (dry mutton) among others. Kolhapur is also one of the largest producers of jaggery in the country owing to the large production of sugarcane on the area.
Kolhapur is very well connected by rail, road and air and the nearest airport is located at Ujlaiwadi.
Last Updated on : 21 May 2013
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