The document discusses various fighting traditions that were enjoyed in Kolhapur, India, including goat fighting, man wrestling, and man versus elephant fights. It describes how the male goats would naturally fight to protect their offspring, but people would instigate additional fights for entertainment. It also discusses wrestling arenas that were favorites of the former rulers of Kolhapur, and how people still come to the city to practice wrestling in the local Kolhapuri style. However, it notes this style is now changing.

1. An obsession for fights Some enjoy pigeons, some bulls – but we Kolhapuris enjoy this. Bokad – a male goat - heads on fights. Normally male & females goats are aggressive and use fighting abilities to protect their off springs; but when men instigate the fights for their pleasure…. Zunj –Takkar

2. Unwilling getting dragged

4. Looking for other one?

5. Scapegoat ?

6. The other one

7. No invitations are required.

8. Its time to rejoice.

9. Games people play

10. The Honors are at stake

11. The instincts exploited

12. No language required to inspire

13. Pause for judge each other

14. The Game must go on !

15. Identifying with each other

16. The cheerleaders

17. Some satisfaction

19. A proxy challenge

20. We Kolhapuris are fond of these fights and enjoy them. Some times people also fight like these goats. Sathmari – Men fighting with the elephants ( a forgotten discipline and only few witnesses alive) Chatrapati Shahu Maidaan ( Arena) for men’s wrestling. The last two were favorites of erstwhile Rulers of Kolhapur. The wrestling is still a popular and Kolhapur houses number of Talims ( practice arenas), people from all over country come to groom themselves in Kolhapuri style – which it self is now changing.

21. Reda Takkar BullsHeadsOn

22. Shri Shahu Chatrapati Wrestling Stadium. Behind it Palace Theatre ( Now Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagriha)

23. Arena Door for the fighter men Image on entrance gate of arena Hiding well for the fighter men

24. Elephants run wildly and infuriated on the ground and fighter men use to hide for saving themselves on the stone wells. Now the arena houses four tennis courts .

25. Raja Shiva Chatrapati The eternal pride of Marathas Shivaji understood the nerve of the Marathi people to inspire them to raise and fight against the Mughals in 17 th Century and constituted Shivashahi – pride of Maratha’s . Present Maharaja Bhosale’s of Kolhapur are ancestors of raja Shiva Chatrapati. A ground photo of full scale Shivaji Statue in hear of Kolhapur

26. Pictures by Charudutta Tanksale 2008 Kolhapur is one of the most affluent districts in India. Fertile soil, hard working people, foresighted developments carried out by Raja Shahu Chatrapati and his followers. Commodity trade and now diverse industries honour we Kolhapuris.