The city of Kolhapur has historical and religious significance. Kolhapur is referred to as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ in the Padma Purana. This city has been known as Karveer Sansthan since Shivaji Maharaj’s Snusha Tararanisaheb established a new capital at Panhalgad and started running the state. Kolhapur is also famous for its educational, tourism and industrial businesses. Sugar, foundry, engineering, textile industry, leather industry and silver industry are the main occupations. Kolhapuri jaggery, slippers and silver ornaments are famous all over the world.

Kolhapur district has a large banking business and at present there are 38 nationalized, co-operative and private banks in the district along with the district central co-operative bank.

To meet the financial needs of farmers and all co-operative societies in Kolhapur district. Kolhapur District Co-operative Bank was established on 01/10/1938. The membership of the bank is mixed. It has co-operative societies and individual members. However, as per the order of the Government of Maharashtra, no person is made a new member. The bank started with 44 members and by the end of March 2020, the bank has 11582 members and 710 individual members for a total of 12292 members.

The Bank is the apex body of all the co-operative societies in the district. The Bank operates in a three-tier credit structure as a link between rural service organizations and NABARD. The bank is providing services through 191 branches in the district including the central office.