1st century

In the 1st century CE, Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India) was part of a region rich in ancient culture, trade, and early political developments. Though direct historical records of Kolhapur city itself are limited from this early period, we can understand what likely happened based on broader regional history.

Here are the key things that happened or influenced Kolhapur in the 1st century CE:

?️ 1. Satavahana Rule

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  Kolhapur was under the control of the Satavahana dynasty, one of the most powerful Indian dynasties of the Deccan.

  
  


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  The Satavahanas ruled from around the 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE.

  
  


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  They supported trade, agriculture, and urban development.

  
  


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  Evidence of Satavahana coins, inscriptions, and pottery has been found in and around Kolhapur.

  
  

?️ 2. Trade and Commerce

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  The region had active trade routes connecting it to the west coast (Sopara, Bharuch) and inland cities.

  
  


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  Kolhapur was part of a trade network involving Romans, Persians, and Southeast Asia.

  
  


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  Artifacts like Roman coins have been found in Maharashtra, indicating international trade.

  
  

?️ 3. Religious and Cultural Development

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  The spread of early Hinduism and Buddhism influenced Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Though the Mahalakshmi Temple was built later, the worship of the goddess may have existed in earlier forms.

  
  


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  The Satavahanas were supporters of Vedic and Buddhist traditions.

  
  

?️ 4. Urban Settlement Begins

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  The Kolhapur area began to develop as a small settlement or town during this time.

  
  


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  It likely had agrarian communities, local tribal cultures, and craft industries.