The state of Maharashtra has a spectacular tradition of social reformers such as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, His Highness Chh. Shahu Maharaja, Karmveer Bhaurao Patil and many more. This tradition has been glorified by Late Hon.Dr. Shri Vishwanath Tukaram Patil-founder President of Tararani Vidyapeeth Kolhapur.

      Dr. V. T. Patil was born at  Shigaon, District-Sangli  in Maharashtra on 31st July 1900. He has completed his LLB degree from Bombay University in 1929 .He continued prosperous legal practice in Kolhapur  from 1930  to 1950 .He dedicated his life to the noble cause of women education. He started the social work with the membership of Kolhapur Municipal corporation, He was the President of Central Health committee, Local Board of Kolhapur District. Agricultural Product Market Committee and Bar Association.

      Dr. V. T. Patil made unforgettable contribution towards political field.  He was MLA from Ajara  constituency Board and Kolhapur Sansthan. He worked as a member of Loksabha from Kolhapur constituency. He played the leadership role  in co-operative Movement by promoting Rayat sabha, Bidri Cooperative Sugar factory, Shetkari Sahakari Sangh, Dudhagang –Vedganga  Co-operative Sugar factory and Maratha Co-operative Bank. In the field  of media he has taken initiative in setting up of Kolhapur News Association and was the first editor of Daily Pudhari- the most popular local news paper.

     Kamala College is the only women’s college in the city of Kolhapur. The late Founder President of Tararani Vidyapeeth Hon. Dr. V. T. Patil earnestly desired that there should be a separate university in the name of Tararani – the Great. He was highly spirited to cater to the needs of higher education to female students especially. To fulfill his dream he decided to start the women’s college.

      On 16th June, 1984 the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Late Hon. Shri Vasantdada Patil inaugurated the college. The credit for making the college grantable within a short period of time goes to Late Hon. Rangraodata Patil, the Great Patriot and father of Founder Principal. His strong support in the establishment and development of Kamala College is ever-memorised.
      The college is named after 'Kamala', maternal name of  Sarojinidevei Vishwanath Patil ( wife of Late President Dr. V. T. Patil ) who created a trust of her entire property for the development of Tararani Vidyapeeth. Though the late president and his wife had no child, they never thought of adopting anyone as an heir to their property. Kamaladevi considered all the students studying in the various branches of the institution as her children for whom she donated her entire property. To commemorate this unique example of sacrifice and nobility, the college is named as 'Kamala College'. Thus the institution has all pervading and stimulating heritage of two omnipresent women personalities - one is Tararani, symbol of bravery and courage and the other is Kamaladevi, symbol of sacrifice.