1st century

Kolhapur in the 1st century CE was already a place of historical and cultural significance. Here's a glimpse into what was happening in the region during that time:

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  Buddhist Influence: Excavations in Kolhapur have revealed the foundations of a large Buddhist stupa, indicating that Buddhism had a strong presence in the area. A stone box found at the site bore an inscription dating back to the 3rd century BCE, showing that the region had religious importance even earlier.

  
  


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  Satavahana Rule: Around the 1st century CE, Kolhapur was likely under the control of the Satavahana dynasty (also known as the Andhrabhrityas), which ruled much of the Deccan. Coins and artifacts found in the area suggest that local rulers or viceroys governed Kolhapur under the Satavahana empire. One such ruler mentioned in inscriptions is Vilivayakura.

  
  


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  Mention by Ptolemy: The Egyptian geographer Ptolemy, writing around 150 CE, referred to a city called Hippokura, which some scholars believe to be Kolhapur. He described it as the capital of the Baleocures, possibly linking it to the local rulers of the time.

  
  


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  Trade and Culture: The discovery of coins, models, and inscriptions suggests that Kolhapur was a thriving center of trade and culture, connected to broader networks across the Deccan and beyond.

  
  

So even in the 1st century, Kolhapur was more than just a dot on the map—it was a dynamic hub of religion, governance, and commerce. Want to explore how it evolved in later centuries? It only gets more fascinating.