17th century

During the 17th century CE, Kolhapur underwent dramatic political and cultural changes, becoming deeply connected with the rise of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The city evolved from a religious and trade center into a significant political stronghold, leading to the establishment of the Kolhapur princely state by century's end.

? Kolhapur in the 17th Century: Key Historical Events

1. ⚔️ Rise of the Maratha Power

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  The early 17th century saw Kolhapur under Adil Shahi (Bijapur Sultanate) control.

  
  


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  However, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (born 1630) began a major movement to ert Maratha sovereignty.

  
  


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  His campaigns (from the 1640s onward) captured many forts and regions in western Maharashtra, including areas around Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Kolhapur became part of Shivaji’s growing Swarajya (self-rule).

  
  

2. ? Establishment of the Kolhapur State (Late 1600s)

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  After Shivaji's death in 1680, a conflict over succession arose.

  
  


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  His second son, Rajaram Maharaj, ruled from Jinji (Tamil Nadu) after fleeing Mughal invasion.

  
  


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  Following continued wars with the Mughals, Rajaram's widow, Maharani Tarabai, emerged as a key leader.

  
  


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  In 1700 CE, she declared her son Shivaji II as king in Kolhapur, effectively establishing the independent Kolhapur state — a major development at the end of the 17th century.

  
  

✅ This marked the origin of Kolhapur as a separate Maratha princely state, distinct from the Satara-based line of Shivaji’s elder son, Shahu.

? Religious and Cultural Life

3. ? Mahalakshmi Temple Thrives

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple remained a major center of Shakta (goddess) worship.

  
  


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  Maratha rulers and nobles patronized the temple, funding renovations, rituals, and festivals.

  
  


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  It became a symbol of Marathi identity and divine support for Maratha sovereignty.

  
  

4. ? Bhakti Movement Influence

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  The Bhakti movement reached its peak in Kolhapur during this time.

  
  


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  Saints like:

  
  
  
  
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    Sant Tukaram (1598–1649)

    
    
  
  
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    Sant Ramdas (1608–1681), spiritual advisor to Shivaji Maharaj

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Their teachings emphasized:

  
  
  
  
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    Devotion (bhakti) over ritual

    
    
  
  
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    Social equality

    
    
  
  
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    Marathi language as sacred and poetic

    
    
  
  
  
  

? Language, Literature & Administration

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  Marathi became the official language of administration under Maratha rule.

  
  


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  Sanskrit remained important for religious texts and temple inscriptions.

  
  


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  Records and edicts issued by Shivaji and his successors are among the earliest formal documents in standardized Marathi.

  
  

?️ Mughal-Maratha Conflict

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  Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, personally led campaigns in the Deccan from 1681 to 1707.

  
  


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  Kolhapur and its surrounding forts were constantly threatened during this time.

  
  


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  Despite this, local Maratha leaders held key forts and used guerrilla warfare to resist.

  
  

?️ Economy

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  Kolhapur's economy was based on:

  
  
  
  
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    Agriculture (rice, sugarcane, millet)

    
    
  
  
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    Trade and markets

    
    
  
  
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    Temple economy from pilgrimage

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  The warfare and Mughal invasion disrupted trade at times, but resilience of local networks helped sustain it.