18th century

During the 18th century CE, Kolhapur played a key role in the Maratha Empire's politics, regional warfare, and internal power struggles. It emerged as a formal princely state, ruled by a branch of the Bhonsle (Bhosale) dynasty, and saw developments in administration, military, temple culture, and diplomacy with foreign powers.

? Kolhapur in the 18th Century: Key Events & Developments

1. ? Kolhapur Becomes a Recognized Maratha Princely State

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  In 1700 CE, Maharani Tarabai declared her son Shivaji II as Chhatrapati in Kolhapur, splitting from the main Maratha line in Satara (ruled by Shahu, Shivaji's grandson).

  
  


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  This led to the creation of the Kolhapur State, ruled by the Kolhapur branch of the Bhonsles.

  
  


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  The Bhonsle dynasty of Kolhapur held semi-independent power throughout the 18th century.

  
  

⚔️ 2. Conflict Between Kolhapur and Satara

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  Throughout the 18th century, internal conflicts continued between:

  
  
  
  
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    Kolhapur Bhonsles (descendants of Tarabai’s line)

    
    
  
  
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    Satara Bhonsles (descendants of Shahu)

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Occasional wars, treaties, and interventions occurred to ert supremacy within the Maratha Confederacy.

  
  

? 3. Involvement in Maratha Confederacy Politics

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  Kolhapur supported or opposed Maratha Peshwas at various times depending on alliances.

  
  


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  Though not as powerful as Satara or Pune, Kolhapur had its own military, forts, and alliances with Maratha sardars like the Ghorpades and Sawants.

  
  

? 4. Religious and Temple Patronage

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple continued to flourish with royal support.

  
  


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  The Kolhapur rulers made land grants, gold donations, and organized festivals in honor of the goddess.

  
  


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  The city retained its position as a major Shakti Peeth pilgrimage center.

  
  

? 5. Administration and Culture

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  Marathi was the official administrative language.

  
  


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  Revenue records, land grants, and royal orders (hukm) were maintained in Modi script.

  
  


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  Kolhapur rulers encouraged temple architecture, local art, and festivals.

  
  

?️ 6. Economy and Society

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  Economy was based on:

  
  
  
  
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    Agriculture (sugarcane, rice, cotton)

    
    
  
  
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    Temple economy

    
    
  
  
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    Textile and metal crafts

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Jagirdars and Deshmukhs held local power and collected taxes on behalf of the king.

  
  

? 7. Early British and European Contact

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  Toward the late 18th century, British influence expanded in western India.

  
  


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  The East India Company began making treaties with Maratha rulers, including Kolhapur, to control trade routes and maintain political influence.

  
  


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  Kolhapur maintained diplomatic independence for most of the century but became increasingly drawn into British politics.