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| New Palace Kolhapur, Maharashtra en.wikipedia.com |
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| Clock tower Kolhapur palace, MH incredibleindia.com |
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| New_Palace,_Kolhapur kolhapurtourism.org/ |
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| New_Palace,_Kolhapur tabor.me.uk |
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| New_Palace,_Kolhapur Touristlink |
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| Kolhapur palace, MH incredibleindia.com |
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| New palace, Kolhapur saibabatravels.com |
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| Interior New palace, Kolhapur |
Surrounded by extensive gardens, a fountain, and a wrestling ground, the New Palace offers a serene ambiance. It is open to the public daily, except Mondays, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM and 2:30 PM to 6 PM. The palace and its museum provide a deep dive into the rich history and varied interests of the Kolhapur ruling dynasty, showcasing a blend of strength, artistic flair, and a continuous link to a glorious past.
Tit-Bits:
The Kolhapur and Thanjavur Maratha rulers share a common lineage, both tracing their origins back to the Bhonsle dynasty, the same family as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, their relationship was not always straightforward and often involved complex political dynamics rather than a direct, continuous alliance.
Here's a breakdown:
Common Ancestry: The Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was founded by Venkoji (also known as Ekoji), a half-brother of Shivaji. Their father, Shahaji, had established influence in the South, including the region of Thanjavur. So, both the Kolhapur branch (descendants of Shivaji) and the Thanjavur branch (descendants of Venkoji) sprung from the same Bhonsle family.
Succession Disputes and Separate States: The larger Maratha Empire experienced succession disputes after Shivaji's death. This led to the formal separation of the Satara and Kolhapur states in 1707, with Kolhapur becoming a distinct principality under a different branch of the Bhonsle family (initially led by Shivaji II, son of Rajaram and Tarabai). The Thanjavur Marathas, meanwhile, had established their own kingdom in the South, maintaining a degree of independence.
Interactions and Conflicts: While they shared a common ancestry, the geographical distance and their own regional interests meant that direct, strong alliances between Kolhapur and Thanjavur were not a dominant feature of their history. Their interactions were more often driven by the broader political landscape of the Deccan and South India, where they might have found themselves on opposing sides or allied with other powers based on immediate strategic needs. For instance, in 1677, the forces of Ekoji (Thanjavur) and his half-brother Shivaji (the main Maratha power) came into conflict, though a compromise was reached.
Cultural and Dynastic Links: Despite political divergences, the shared Maratha heritage and royal lineage would have fostered a sense of kinship. The text you provided explicitly states: "A surprising fact is the past Maratha rulers of Thanjavur city, Tamil Nadu and the present Maratha Prince there have close links with the ruling dynasty of Kolhapur." This suggests a recognition of their shared ancestry and continued family ties, even if political alliances were not always paramount.
In essence, the Kolhapur and Thanjavur Maratha rulers were distinct branches of the same illustrious Bhonsle family. While they operated as separate political entities with their own regional concerns, their common origin provided a foundational, though sometimes distant, connection.
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