One of the important objectives of establishing Shivaji University is to promote the studies in history, society and culture of Maharashtra. Eminent historians like Dr. Balkrishna, who had initially conceived the idea of a University in Kolhapur and Dr. Appasaheb Pawar, the first Vice-Chancellor of the University had made some purposeful efforts in this direction earlier. The Department of History which was established on 9th November 1964 is one of the pioneering departments of Shivaji University which undertook teaching, research and extension activities focusing on Indian History with emphasis on the history of the Marathas. There was a separate cell attached to this department which collected, translated and published important historical papers relating to Maratha history. This research cell brought out a number of good publications on Maratha history.

During last four decades the department has emerged as a vibrant department not only in Maharashtra State but also in the whole of South India. The Department has to its credit several valuable research publications particularly in Maratha History and many research projects funded by national agencies like UGC and Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi. Besides Maratha History the department has done pioneering research in the history of Southern Maratha Country states. Ours is the only department in Maharashtra where PhD’s have been produced on the history of princely states in large number. Our expertise and continuous research activities in Maratha History were acknowledged by the Maharashtra State Government by approving the establishment of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Centre for Studies of Maratha History and by providing financial support of Rs. One crore and eight posts for the centre. This centre is in fact an offshoot of our department.

Objectives:

Our goal is to promote teaching, research and extension programmes in Indian history in the context of world history.

The history courses, we believe, must adequately acquaint students with Indian ethos along with a critical understanding of Indian society, economy, polity and culture. Students at the same time must be acquainted with developments outside the country

To empower students to cope with the challenges of globalization