Chatrapati Rajashri Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, the son of Late Karveer Hutamata Chatrapati Chauthe Shivaji Maharaj, was a source of inspiration to the institution which was established in 1918. The institution runs 7 Senior Colleges, one Engineering College, one Law College, one college of Physical Education, one Hotel Management Institute, 20 Junior Colleges, 45 High-Schools and one Primary School. The main object of the institution is to impart education to the economically backward, downtrodden and weaker sections of the society irrespective of the caste, creed, sex and religion.