18th century

During the 18th century, Kolhapur underwent major political restructuring, experienced Maratha power consolidation, and began evolving into a princely state with growing influence. Here's a detailed breakdown of key events and developments in Kolhapur during this time:

? 1. Political Landscape

? Formal Establishment of Kolhapur State

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  In 1700, the Maratha Empire split into two lines after the death of Sambhaji (Shivaji Maharaj’s son):

  
  
  
  
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    Satara Line (descendants of Shahu I)

    
    
  
  
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    Kolhapur Line, led by Chhatrapati Rajaram’s widow, Tarabai, and her son Shivaji II.

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Thus, Kolhapur became a separate Maratha state under the descendants of Rajaram.

  
  

⚔️ Internal Conflicts and Rivalries

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  There were frequent succession disputes, conflicts with Satara, and power struggles with Peshwas (prime ministers of the Maratha Empire).

  
  


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  Kolhapur rulers had to balance power between hereditary chhatrapatis and strong ministers or sardars.

  
  

? 2. Key Rulers of the 18th Century

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  Shivaji II (1700–1714) – Tarabai's son, initial ruler after Kolhapur's foundation.

  
  


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  Sambhaji II (1714–1760) – A strong and stable ruler who resisted Peshwa dominance.

  
  


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  Shivaji III & IV (late 1700s) – Weaker successors; power increasingly shifted to influential nobles.

  
  

? 3. Relations with the British and Other Powers

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  During the late 18th century, the British East India Company began expanding into the Deccan.

  
  


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  Kolhapur, like other princely states, was drawn into regional politics, alliances, and rivalries involving:

  
  
  
  
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    Hyderabad Nizam

    
    
  
  
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    Peshwas

    
    
  
  
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    British and Portuguese in nearby Goa

    
    
  
  
  
  

? 4. Culture and Religion

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  Continued patronage of the Mahalaxmi Temple, which remained the spiritual heart of the city.

  
  


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  Revival and support for Marathi literature, temple building, and religious festivals.

  
  


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  Caste politics began to influence administration, especially with increasing involvement of Brahmin ministers and Deshastha elites.

  
  

? 5. Economy and Society

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  Kolhapur's economy was based on:

  
  
  
  
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    Agriculture

    
    
  
  
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    Textiles and weaving

    
    
  
  
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    Local trade

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Village administration was handled by Deshmukhs and Patils, operating under Maratha systems like vatandar and jagirdari.

  
  


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  Social structure remained traditional but showed signs of change due to political alliances and emerging colonial presence.