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Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum Kolhapur

Located in Kolhapur town in the state of Maharashtra, Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum is home to numerous costumes, weapons, silver elephant saddles and trophies that Maharaja Shahaji Bhonsle Chhatrapati of Kolhapur possessed.

The facade of Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum gives an indication as to what the museum has in store for those who adore the historic significance of our ancient pride.
It's a great place to gather some significant information about Maharashtra and its history.

History

Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum is also home to the living descendents of the late Maharaja. In fact, the ground floor of the Kolhapur New Palace, a building that was constructed during 1881 has been converted into a museum.

The museum was designed by British architect Charles Mant. The love of the Maharaja for wild game has been amply displayed in the museum and the same highlights in the collection at display in the museum. Expect to see walking sticks that have been made out of vertebrae of a tiger or an ashtray made from a rhino feet.

The life and times of Maharaja Shahaji Bhonsle Chhatrapati have been depicted through paintings and it highlights this transformation of the Maharaja from an avid hunter to a social reformer. Black polished stone has been used in construction of the building and the eight angled building has an imposing tower in the middle adding to the elegance of the design.

Things to See

  • Costumes, weapons, silver elephant saddles and trophies from the life and times of Maharaja Shahaji Bhonsle Chhatrapati.
  • Photographs from the early days of Maharaja Shahaji Bhonsle Chhatrapati that highlight his transformation into a social reformer.
  • Embroidery items, games and jewellery that was prevalent during the times of the Maharaja.
  • The design and construction aspect of the museum is worth watching in itself and gives one a glimpse into the architectural aspects of the late seventeenth century.

Lush green parks, zoo and a serene lake add to the ambiance of the Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum making any trip to the place an unforgettable one.

A Worth Visiting Place

The octagonal tower in the centre of the museum adds an elegant touch to the entire atmosphere. The tower is commonly known by the name of clock tower. Numerous turrets and domes line the two storied main building which also has a terraced roof.

Grand Darbar hall, billiards room along with two reception rooms is the other specialities of the museum complex. Darbar hall within the museum is special indeed as it has stained windows that have depictions from life and times of the Maratha ruler Shivaji.

Rare paintings, artefacts of the royal family and Dan Patta, a special sword of the late Maharaja are also on display in the museum.

Museum Timings

The museum is open for general public from 9.30 am in the morning to 5.30 pm in the evening. Photography of any kind is strictly prohibited in the museum complex.

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