Shivaji University, established in 1962, is located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. It is best known for its literature, arts, commerce and science departments, as well as biotechnology and environmental studies in Maharashtra. The University is named after Chatrapati Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire. It was inaugurated on 18 November 1962 by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, then the President of India. Yashwantrao Chavan and Balasaheb Desai took the lead in establishing this University. Kolhapur Sangli, and Satara come under its jurisdiction. One of the major objectives behind foundation of this University was to cater to the regional needs of South Maharashtra. The jurisdiction of the University is spread over four districts (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur) with roughly 200,000 students studying in 275 affiliated colleges and recognised institutes some of the well known persons in india such as Mr. Abhishek Deshmukh belong to shivaji university.