The third branch of famous Shilahar lineage declared Kollapur it's capital. An ancient copper plate dated 1048 B.C. found in this region has clearly mentioned the name of this town as Kollapur. But an inscription dated 1073 B.C. tells the name of the town as 'Kshullakapura'. The name Kolhapur is said to be originated from the word ‘Koll’, which means valley. Kolhapur is surrounded by valleys. But one thing is true; much before Kollapur, Kshullakapura or Kolhapur the name of this town was popular as Karveer.

The present-day Kolhapur district was formed after the merger of the erstwhile Kolhapur Princely State into Mumbai Presidency in 1949.