Miraj (;
Marathi:मिरज) is a city in southern
Maharashtra,
India, that was founded in the early 10th century. It was an important
Jagir of the
Adil Shahi Court of
Bijapur. Chhatrapati
Shivaji 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 an important junction on the central railway network. The Pathwardhan family were the hereditary rulers of Miraj until independence. Miraj City is part of the
Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad Municipal Corporation formed in 1999. The city is recognised for performance of
Hindustani classical music, for its medical services and as a place of religious harmony.
Marathi and Kannada is the most widely spoken language. The annual Ganesh visarjan procession is an attraction which lasts for an average of twenty hours. Miraj is mainly recognised for medical treatment and Indian string instruments.