city, southwestern Maharashtra (Mahārāshtra) state, western India, on the Pancaganga River. It was the capital of the former princely state of Kolhapur and seat of the British residency for Deccan states. An early centre of Buddhism, the city contains a 9th-century Mahalakshmi temple and is known as the “Varanasi of the South.” Kolhapur lies in a prosperous agricultural region and is an important commercial city. Its industries include sugar processing and the manufacture of textiles and engineering products. Shivaji University was established there in 1962. To the south of Kolhapur is the urban complex of Gokul Shirgaon, which specializes in food processing (milk) and the production of pharmaceuticals. Sugar factories are commonplace in the surrounding region. Pop. (2001) 493,167.