"Kushti" wrestling is popular game at Kolhapur. In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas. Some of the Kings were themselves good wrestlers. This sport flourished here during the reign of Shri Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the King of Kolhapur, who ascended the throne in 1894. During this golden age, the monarch built hundreds of Akhadas all over the city and held tournaments, inviting best wrestlers form all over India and beyond.