17th century

During the 17th century CE, Kolhapur underwent a major transformation. It evolved from being a region under the Adil Shahi Sultanate to becoming a key center of Maratha power under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and, later, the capital of an independent Maratha kingdom ruled by his descendants. This was a crucial century that shaped Kolhapur's political identity, military strength, and cultural revival.

?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 17th Century?

1. ⚔️ Kolhapur Under the Adil Shahi Sultanate (early 1600s)

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  Until the mid-17th century, Kolhapur was under the control of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate.

  
  


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  Maratha families, such as the Bhosales, served in Adil Shahi armies but gradually sought independence.

  
  


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  Kolhapur was likely governed by Muslim commanders with local Maratha sardars managing the countryside.

  
  

2. ?️ Rise of Shivaji and the Maratha Swarajya Movement

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  In the 1640s–1670s, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began a revolutionary campaign to establish Swarajya (self-rule).

  
  


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  He captured forts near Kolhapur, such as Panhala, Vishalgad, and Bhudargad.

  
  


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  The Kolhapur region became a strategic part of the Maratha kingdom, helping Shivaji resist the Adil Shahis and later the Mughals.

  
  

✅ In 1674, Shivaji was coronated as Chhatrapati at Raigad, and Kolhapur was a strong southern base of his empire.

3. ? Panhala Fort – A Strategic Maratha Stronghold

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  Panhala Fort, near Kolhapur, became a key fortification in the 17th century.

  
  


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  In 1660, Shivaji famously escaped from the siege of Panhala by the Adil Shahis using a clever night strategy.

  
  


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  The fort was later used by his son Rajaram Maharaj as a base during the Mughal war.

  
  

4. ? Foundation of the Kolhapur Royal Line

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  After Shivaji's death in 1680, a succession conflict arose between his sons:

  
  
  
  
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    Sambhaji (elder son) ruled from Raigad.

    
    
  
  
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    Rajaram (younger son) eventually ruled from Kolhapur.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  In 1700, this led to the formation of a separate Maratha kingdom in Kolhapur, ruled by Rajaram’s widow, Tarabai, and later by their descendants.

  
  

✅ The Kolhapur branch of the Bhosale dynasty began in the late 17th century, officially becoming a separate kingdom.

? Mahalakshmi Temple and Religious Life

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple continued to receive patronage from Maratha rulers and nobles.

  
  


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  Shivaji and Rajaram are believed to have visited or supported the temple.

  
  


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  Shaktism and Bhakti devotional movements remained strong.

  
  


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  Local saints and Varkari pilgrims visited Kolhapur as part of their spiritual journeys.

  
  

? Language, Literature, and Culture

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  Marathi became dominant in governance, inscriptions, and popular literature.

  
  


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  Rise of Bakhar (chronicle) literature, praising Shivaji and Maratha heroism.

  
  


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  Folk traditions, ballads, and temple festivals flourished.

  
  

?️ Economy and Society

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  Kolhapur’s economy was driven by:

  
  
  
  
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    Agriculture, especially sugarcane and grains

    
    
  
  
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    Temple-centered trade

    
    
  
  
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    Crafts and military supplies for Maratha armies

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Society included:

  
  
  
  
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    Maratha warriors, Brahmins, artisans, temple staff, and merchants