The Khasbag Maidan or often termed as ‘Chasbag Maidan’ is one of the most significant landmarks of Kolhapur, and is certainly one of the most important and historically significant venues in the entire of Kolhapur.
History of the place
The Khasbag Maidanwas initially a wrestling place or what is called an “Akhara '' in colonial terms and remains one of the most historically important landmarks in the history of Indian wrestling. Maharaja Rajarshi Shahu was the main mind behind the inauguration of this stadium, as he was highly impressed by the roman Olympics, and the sport called wrestling. He started training athletes, teaching them the basics of wrestling, and giving them what is called “Taleem”. He further encouraged athletes to go and win tournaments, and as a result of which he built this enormous and beautiful stadium called Khasbag Maidan thus becoming a part of
Kolhapur's heritage.
Significance of the place
The playground is as big as to allow even 4-5 pairs of wrestling to take place and have a tournament simultaneously. On the eastern side beside the seating arrangement for the royal family there is also a special column for honorable guests and also has a stage for them. The stadium is still open for service and also has regular tournaments and matches played in it with regular maintenance from the people of Kolhapur, pursuing the Kolhapur tradition. The stadium was built in 1912 and the Maharaja started the ticket system from the very first match and the money collected from those tickets sold were all used up for the diet of the players.
Ways to reach the Khasbag Maidan
The Khasbag Maidan is the largest wrestling stadium in India and is located in Kolhapur. There is a Khau Galli (food stalls lane) next to the stadium which comes alive in the evening.
- By Road - You can catch a bus to CBD / bus stand or station from here every 10 odd mins with a ticket of just 8 Rs. (auto will cost 60 odd Rs). Public transport and both state and private buses have regular interactions with Kolhapur and are very easy to reach.
- By Air - Kolhapur airport is the nearest airport that has regular running flights connecting various parts of the country. From the airport, you can easily get a private cab to Khasbag Maidan.
- By Train - The nearest railway network is the Kolhapur railway station. It is only 2 Km away from Khasbag Maidan.
Things to do in Khasbag Maidan!
The place is located on one of the busiest streets of the city of Kolhapur and there is ample to see and enjoy. For a foodie, there is enough to offer from the city of Kolhapur as there are ample restaurants and eating ventures throughout and one can easily find Indian vegetarian street food anywhere on the corner of the streets. Not just eating it is also a good place to be enjoying with friends and families and have a nice Gala time. Temples are attached with historical values and also have local Gardens with an overall pleasing feeling of greenery throughout, getting a taste of the Kolhapur lifestyle.
Conclusion
The stadium is perhaps one of the oldest and historic places in the city of Kolhapur. It is a wrestling Stadium that has been the home to wrestling tournaments for decades. Several national and international reputed wrestlers have played Matches and have been a part of this historic stadium in the past.
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