Miraj (Pronunciation: [miɾəd͡z]; ) is a city in Sangli District and also in Maharashtra, India, that was founded in the early 10th century. It was an important jagir of the Adil Shahi court of Bijapur. Shivaji Maharaj stayed in Miraj for two months during his South India Campaign. Because of its location, Miraj has been held as a strategic bastion. It was the capital of Miraj Senior and is an important junction on the central railway network. The Pathwardhan family were the hereditary rulers of Miraj until independence. The city is part of the Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad Municipal Corporation formed in 1999. The city is recognised for Hindustani classical music and medical services. Miraj is an emerging medical hub in India. The City has an unbelievable doctor patient ratio. Some of the doctors and institutions are well known all over India. Many medical tourists visit from the adjoining districts of North Karnataka and Goa, as well as all over India and from Arab countries. The Ganesha festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The annual Ganesh Visarjan procession is an attraction that lasts for an average of twenty hours. Miraj also finds its mention in Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi and popular musical play and movie Katyar Kaljat Ghusli. History Early history Shilahara (1000 to 1216) At the end of the 9th century, the Silaharas of Kolhapur gained rule of Miraj.In 1024 AD, Miraj was ruled by Narsimha of the Silahar dynasty. From 1216 to 1316, the Yadavas of Devgiri ruled the town. II (circa 1000-1020 AD), the fourth ruler of Silahar dynasty, appears in the records of his son, Narasimha (circa 1050 to 1075 AD). Jattiga II was succeeded by his son, Gonka who has been described in inscriptions as the conqueror of Karahata (Karhad), Mirinj Miraj and Konkan. The Shilaharas were able to retain the rule of Miraj despite nearby military action by Chavan-raja, the general of Chalukya Jayasirhha II. Yadavas and Bahmanis (1216 to 1347) In 1216, Miraj, along with other territories of Silaharas, was conquered by the Yadavas. In 1318, the Bahamanis gained control. Historian, Tazkirat-ul-Mulk, reported that Hasan, the founder of the Bahmani dynasty, was in the employ of the Shaikh Muhammad Junaidi at Gangi near Miraj. Hasan found a treasure with which he raised an army, marched on Miraj. He defeated and imprisoned Rani Durgavati, the subedar of Miraj and captured the town's fort. At the behest of