18th century

The 18th century (1701–1800) was a crucial era for Kolhapur, marked by the fragmentation of the Maratha Empire, internal dynastic struggles, and the emergence of Kolhapur as a separate princely state. Here's a detailed account of what happened:

? Key Historical Events in Kolhapur in the 18th Century

⚔️ 1. Division of the Maratha Empire (1707)

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  After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji (1680) and his son Sambhaji (1689), the Maratha Empire entered a period of instability.

  
  


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  In 1707, a major split occurred in the royal Bhosale family:

  
  
  
  
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    Tarabai, widow of Rajaram (Shivaji’s son), declared her son Shivaji II as Chhatrapati and ruled from Kolhapur.

    
    
  
  
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    This led to the creation of a separate Kolhapur State distinct from Satara.

    
    
  
  
  
  

?️ Outcome: Kolhapur became an independent Maratha kingdom, ruled by a branch of the Bhosale dynasty.

? 2. Establishment of the Kolhapur Bhosale Dynasty

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  Shivaji II (1700–1714) ruled under the regency of Tarabai.

  
  


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  In 1714, Tarabai was overthrown by Rajasbai, who placed her own son Sambhaji II on the throne.

  
  


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  This Sambhaji II is considered the first effective ruler of the Kolhapur Bhosale line.

  
  

⚔️ 3. Conflicts with Satara and Internal Wars

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  Kolhapur and Satara were often in conflict during the early 18th century.

  
  


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  There were also wars with other Maratha chiefs, notably the Peshwas, who became dominant power-brokers.

  
  


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  Kolhapur retained autonomy but was militarily and politically pressured by the Peshwas of Pune.

  
  

? 4. Regional Administration and Society

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  The Kolhapur kings maintained a Maratha military aristocracy, collecting land revenue and maintaining cavalry forces.

  
  


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  Society was highly stratified, with dominant Maratha clans and oppressed castes.

  
  


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  Agriculture and trade in textiles, jaggery, and metal goods were key economic activities.

  
  

?️ 5. Religious and Cultural Patronage

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  Kolhapur rulers patronized the Mahalakshmi Temple, enhancing the city’s religious importance.

  
  


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  Kolhapur became a major pilgrimage center.

  
  


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  Art, temple architecture, and Sanskrit learning continued under royal support.

  
  

?? 6. Early Contact with the British (Late 1700s)

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  Though the British East India Company did not directly control Kolhapur in the 18th century, they became increasingly active in nearby coastal areas like Bombay and Goa.

  
  


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  The groundwork for 19th-century British political involvement was laid.

  
  

? Summary of 18th-Century Kolhapur