17th century

During the 17th century CE, Kolhapur experienced dramatic political and cultural changes, transitioning from Muslim sultanate rule (Bijapur) to becoming part of the rising Maratha Empire, and finally emerging as the center of a separate Maratha kingdom. It was a century of wars, resistance, and formation of identity.

✅ Major Events and Developments in Kolhapur During the 17th Century:

? 1. Kolhapur Under Bijapur Sultanate (Early 1600s)

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  Ruled by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, especially under Ibrahim Adil Shah II and Muhammad Adil Shah.

  
  


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  Kolhapur was governed by military subedars (provincial governors).

  
  


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  Islamic rule allowed Hindu temples to function but with restricted autonomy.

  
  


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  Trade and agriculture continued, especially in sugarcane, cotton, and iron tools.

  
  

⚔️ 2. Maratha Expansion – Shivaji’s Campaigns (Mid 1600s)

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  Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire, began challenging Bijapur and Mughal rule.

  
  


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  In the 1650s–60s, Shivaji captured Kolhapur and neighboring forts from the Bijapur Sultanate.

  
  


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  He strengthened fortifications in the area and appointed Maratha sardars to manage the region.

  
  


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  Kolhapur became strategically important due to its location between the Western Ghats and Karnataka.

  
  

? 3. Foundation of the Kolhapur Maratha State (Late 1600s)

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  After Shivaji’s death (1680) and Rajaram’s coronation (1689), the Mughal invasion pushed Maratha leaders southward.

  
  


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  Rajaram Maharaj, Shivaji’s younger son, fled to Gingee, but later returned and ruled from Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Tarabai, Rajaram’s wife, took over as regent after his death in 1700, and established Kolhapur as a separate Maratha state, distinct from Satara.

  
  

? 4. Religious and Cultural Resilience

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur continued to be a major pilgrimage center.

  
  


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  Maratha rulers and local elites patronized Hindu temples, festivals, and saints.

  
  


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  Despite Mughal pressure, Hindu religious life remained active, and Kolhapur became a cultural stronghold.

  
  

?️ 5. Military and Fortification Growth

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  Forts like Panhala, Bhudargad, and Vishalgad around Kolhapur were strengthened or fought over.

  
  


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  Kolhapur served as a military base during the Maratha resistance against Mughals (especially under Aurangzeb).

  
  

? 6. Language and Administration

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  Marathi became the dominant language for administration and correspondence.

  
  


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  Royal grants, letters, and temple donations were increasingly recorded in Modi script.

  
  


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  Persian influence declined after Bijapur's power weakened.

  
  

✅ Summary – What Happened in Kolhapur During the 17th Century: