19th century

During the 19th century CE, Kolhapur transformed from a semi-independent Maratha kingdom into a British princely state. It was a time of political restructuring, social reform, administrative modernization, and cultural resilience. Kolhapur’s royal family adapted to British rule while preserving its identity through education, temple patronage, and infrastructure development.

?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 19th Century?

1. ? Kolhapur Becomes a British Princely State

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  After the decline of the Maratha Empire (with the fall of the Peshwas in 1818), Kolhapur came under British protection as part of the Bombay Presidency.

  
  


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  The Treaty of 1820 between the British East India Company and the Kolhapur State formalized this arrangement.

  
  


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  Kolhapur retained internal autonomy but had to follow British advice on external affairs.

  
  

✅ The ruler was titled "Maharaja of Kolhapur", and the state was supervised by a British Resident.

2. ⚔️ Rebellions and Political Turmoil

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  In the early 1800s, there were internal revolts and conflicts with neighboring jagirdars.

  
  


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  In 1844, Kolhapur saw a rebellion of palace guards and soldiers due to misgovernance and British interference.

  
  


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  The British suppressed the revolt and restructured Kolhapur’s administration to be more efficient.

  
  

3. ? Rulers of Kolhapur During the 19th Century

4. ? Education and Social Reforms

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  Missionary schools, Anglo-vernacular schools, and technical institutes were introduced.

  
  


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  Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, even before his coronation in 1894, began supporting:

  
  
  
  
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    Education for backward castes and women

    
    
  
  
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    Scholarships for Dalit and non-Brahmin students

    
    
  
  
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    Opening hostels and industrial schools

    
    
  
  
  
  

5. ? Religion and Cultural Life

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple remained a major spiritual center.

  
  


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  The Kolhapur rulers continued to patronize temples, religious festivals, and maintain Hindu traditions.

  
  


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  Despite British influence, Marathi language and cultural practices flourished.

  
  

6. ?️ Urban and Infrastructure Development

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  Kolhapur city began to modernize:

  
  
  
  
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    New roads, postal services, municipal services, and markets were developed.

    
    
  
  
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    British engineers introduced water supply systems and sanitation reforms.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Kolhapur Railway Station was opened toward the end of the century (early trains arrived in the 1880s–1890s).

  
  

7. ? Rise of Reform Movements

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  Inspired by Jyotirao Phule and early social reformers, Shahu Maharaj supported the non-Brahmin movement and the Satya Shodhak Samaj.

  
  


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  Kolhapur became an early hub for anti-caste reform, inter-caste dining, and reservations in education.