Satara happened to be the Capital of the valiant Marathas and their kingdom in the past. The illustrious successors of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, governed the territory of Satara , till 1839.
Today`s people of Satara can experience the magnificence of the royal Marathas in the museums and sites, bearing the historical importance and preserving the other testimonials of a once powerful dynasty.
The Museum was given its concrete and complete shape in 1970. The inauguration ceremony of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Satara , was presided over by the then honourable Home Minister of India, Late Y.B Chavan . The inauguration was made auspicious with the benedictions of the venerated Maratha royal-person, Shrimant Chhatrapati Sumitraraje Bhosale .
The objective behind the setting up of this museum, was specifically the popularization of the multi-faceted cultural harvest reaped in the17th and 18th Century . The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum consists of two divisions. One for the display items and the other dedicated to the opulent Maratha tradition, has turned out to be the Maratha art Gallery.
The demonstrated objects have been classified into four departments. They are Weapon Sections , Inscription Section , Painting Section and finally Textile Section .For instance, Chilkhat, the metal shirt was the war-costume. To serve as the protective shield against the assaults o the sword, this shirt was built from iron. Indeed examples of swords of diversified patterns; gold engraving, shinning on silver case, characteristic of the sword of Maharaja`s, are the prime attractions of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. Some swords are even decked with invaluable diamonds, as embellishments.
The mind-blowing repository of weapons, textiles and other artifacts, speak volumes for
the outstanding might of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his successors and the overall prosperity of the Golden era of Maratha empire.
The Museum remains open for 10.00 to 13.00 and 13.30 to 17.00, from Tuesdays to Sundays. Except Mondays are holidays.
Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, Satara,, rekindles the splendor of the imperial empire of the valorous and aristocrat Marathas.
(Last Updated on : 10/01/2009)
