Kolhapur was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Founder of Maratha Empire) from Adilshah of Vijapur in 1674. Later, in 1707, Maharani Tarabai, daughter-in-law to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established "Kolhapur" as the capital of Maratha Kingdom which later came to known as Kolhapur State or Karvir Riyasat. Kolhapur is the last trace of the founding father of Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Sh
ivaji Maharaj. of Maratha Empire and the rulers of these states were actually the military chiefs of the Chhatrapati and not crowned kings or the founder of the states (they became "Maharajas" in British Rule with the help of East India Company); The Chhatraptis of Kolhapur are the direct descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and as this, they were Emperors of The Maratha Empire and fully sovereign kings until 1st March, 1949. Even in British Rule, The Chhatrapati of Kolhapur had full powers to rule the country and the maratha rulers with 21 Gun Salutes had to bow before Chhatrapati. The present Chhatrapti of Kolhapur or Karvir Riyasat is "Shrimant Kshatriyakulawantas Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj" and he is 12th direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the 14th Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire.
