The New Palace was built in the late 19th century by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, one of Kolhapur's most progressive rulers, known for pioneering social reforms including free and compulsory education and early affirmative action policies well ahead of his time.
Architecture
Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style popular in princely-state architecture of the period, the palace blends Rajput, Mughal, and European design elements, with a distinctive clock tower and detailed stonework throughout.
The Museum
A portion of the palace now functions as a museum, displaying the royal family's weapons, hunting trophies, vintage vehicles, and personal artefacts — a window into Kolhapur's princely-era history and Shahu Maharaj's legacy specifically.
Visiting Tips
The museum is compact enough to see in an hour, making it easy to combine with the nearby Mahalaxmi Temple and Rankala Lake in a single day exploring Kolhapur city.
