15th century

During the 15th century CE, Kolhapur was part of the Bahmani Sultanate, one of the major Islamic kingdoms in the Deccan. This century was a time of political consolidation, regional conflicts, and continuity of religious and cultural life in Kolhapur. Despite being under Muslim rule, the region retained its Hindu temple traditions, especially around the Mahalakshmi Temple, and saw gradual shifts in administration and economy.

✅ Key Things That Happened in Kolhapur During the 15th Century:

? 1. Rule of the Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 CE)

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  Kolhapur was under the Bahmani Sultanate, ruled from Gulbarga and later Bidar.

  
  


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  The region was governed by Bahmani-appointed amirs or governors.

  
  


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  The Bahmanis divided their kingdom into provinces (tarafs), and Kolhapur likely belonged to the western or southern province.

  
  

⚔️ 2. Political Conflicts and Power Struggles

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  The Bahmani Sultanate faced frequent internal conflicts among nobles, especially between the Deccani (local Muslim) nobles and Afaqis (foreign nobles).

  
  


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  Kolhapur may have been indirectly affected by these court rivalries and military campaigns.

  
  


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  Toward the end of the century, the Bahmani Sultanate began to fragment into five smaller kingdoms (Deccan Sultanates), setting the stage for local changes.

  
  

? 3. Continued Importance of the Mahalakshmi Temple

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  Despite Islamic rule, Hindu temples like Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur continued to function.

  
  


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  Local Hindu communities and merchant guilds likely supported the temple.

  
  


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  While large-scale temple construction may have slowed, religious practices and pilgrimages continued.

  
  

? 4. Cultural and Linguistic Continuity

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  Use of Marathi increased in daily and administrative affairs, especially in temple records and land documents.

  
  


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  Persian was used in royal and official documents under Bahmani rule.

  
  


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  A blend of Persianate and local culture began shaping Deccan society.

  
  

? 5. Trade and Economy

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  Kolhapur remained a key link between the Deccan interior and the Konkan coast.

  
  


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  Important products included:

  
  
  
  
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    Textiles (cotton and wool)

    
    
  
  
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    Sugarcane and jaggery

    
    
  
  
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    Metal goods and crafts

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Merchant guilds continued to operate under local leaders.

  
  

? 6. Urban and Social Life

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  The city likely saw moderate urban development, including bazaars, artisan quarters, and religious neighborhoods.

  
  


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  Governance was structured through local officials under the control of Bahmani governors.

  
  

✅ Summary – What Happened in Kolhapur During the 15th Century?