20th century
Description
During the 20th century, Kolhapur underwent mive transformation—from a princely state under the British Raj to a progressive center of social reform, education, and cultural revival, and finally, a fully integrated part of independent India. The century was defined by the visionary leadership of Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, and later by political, social, and economic modernization.
?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 20th Century?
? 1. Rule of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj (1894–1922)
One of the most important social reformers in Indian history
Shahu Maharaj was crowned in 1894 and ruled until his death in 1922.
He introduced groundbreaking reforms for:
Social justice
Education for all castes
Abolition of untouchability
Reservation (affirmative action) for backward cles in education and jobs (first in India)
Supported the Satya Shodhak Samaj, started by Jyotirao Phule.
Promoted inter-caste dining, opened schools for Dalits and girls.
Established Kolhapur as a model progressive state in the subcontinent.
✅ He was called "Rajarshi" (King-Saint) by Indian reformers.
? 2. Education and Modernization
Free and compulsory primary education introduced.
Set up hostels for backward cles and students from rural areas.
Founded:
Victoria Maratha Boarding School
Kolhapur High School
Agricultural and industrial training centers
Supported Marathi language, drama, and printing presses.
? 3. Religious and Cultural Renaissance
The Mahalakshmi Temple remained a spiritual center.
Shahu Maharaj rebuilt and managed temples through inclusive trusts—not limited to upper castes.
Supported Marathi theatre, folk arts, and powada singing.
Cultural institutions like New Education Society and Shivaji University (est. 1962) flourished later in the century.
⚔️ 4. Indian Independence Movement
Kolhapur was not a major center of armed resistance, but:
Many citizens joined the Indian National Congress.
Political movements spread among students and workers in the 1930s–40s.
In 1947, India became independent.
In 1949, Kolhapur State officially merged with the Indian Union.
?? 5. Post-Independence Integration and Development
Kolhapur became part of Bombay State, then Maharashtra in 1960.
Development included:
Industrial estates (MIDC)
Dairy and sugar cooperatives
Textile mills, engineering, and casting industries
Educational institutions, including Shivaji University (1962)
?️ 6. Urban Growth and Civic Development
Major roads, bridges, and the Rajarampuri suburb were developed.
Public health systems, sanitation, and municipal governance improved.
Kolhapur gained recognition as a cultural capital of southern Maharashtra.
?️ 7. Legacy of the Kolhapur Bhosales
Even after political power ended in 1949, the royal family remained influential:
Chhatrapati Shahaji II, Chhatrapati Rajaram II, and others remained respected figures.
Participated in public life, religious leadership, and cultural patronage.
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