15th century

In the 15th century CE, Kolhapur continued to evolve under the Bahmani Sultanate, but saw increasing local resistance, Hindu revival, and the rise of Maratha regional chieftains who later became significant. Despite being under Islamic rule, Kolhapur’s identity as a Hindu religious center, especially around the Mahalakshmi Temple, remained vibrant due to local devotion and cultural resilience.

---

?️ Kolhapur in the 15th Century CE

1. ? Bahmani Sultanate Rule

Kolhapur was firmly under the Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 CE), which ruled most of the Deccan.

The Sultanate was ruled from Gulbarga, and later Bidar.

Though politically controlled by the Bahmanis, local governance often relied on Hindu Deshmukhs (chieftains) and village leaders.

---

2. ✊ Rise of Local Hindu Nobles and Proto-Marathas

Deshmukhs and Maratha families began gaining power as regional landlords, warriors, and administrators.

These early proto-Maratha groups laid the foundation for the rise of Maratha power in the 17th century.

Though they worked under the Sultanate, they protected Hindu temples, culture, and local traditions.

---

3. ? Mahalakshmi Temple – Resilience & Ritual

Despite being under Islamic rule, the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur remained active and protected.

Pilgrimage, festivals, and donations from local landlords and devotees helped it survive.

The temple continued to be a spiritual and economic hub for the region.

It was likely maintained with local funds, not state sponsorship.

---

4. ? Bhakti Movement at Its Peak

The Bhakti movement flourished in Maharashtra during the 15th century.

Saints like:

Eknath (b. 1533, born just after 15th century)

Namdev (late 13th–early 14th century, still widely followed)

Tukaram (early 17th century, legacy began here)

Their poetry in Marathi emphasized devotion, equality, and resistance to casteism.

Kolhapur, with its strong temple tradition, was influenced by these devotional ideas.

---

5. ? Language and Culture

Marathi was the common language of the people, increasingly used in literature and administration.

Persian was still used in the courts of the Bahmani rulers.

Folk performances, devotional music, and storytelling traditions flourished in rural Kolhapur.

---

6. ? Economy and Society

Kolhapur’s economy revolved around:

Agriculture: fertile land around Panchganga river

Temple economy: pilgrims, offerings, local markets

Crafts and textiles

Land revenue was collected by local Deshmukhs on behalf of Bahmani governors.

---

? Summary Table: Kolhapur in the 15th Century

Aspect Description

Ruling Power Bahmani Sultanate, with local Deshmukh administration

Temple Activity Mahalakshmi Temple remained active and central

Religion Growth of Bhakti movement; strong Shakta (Goddess) and Shaiva worship

Language Marathi (common); Persian (official administration); Sanskrit (religious)

Culture Devotional songs, kirtans, Marathi literature, temple festivals

Economy Agriculture, pilgrimage economy, crafts, controlled revenue collection

Emerging Identity Early roots of Maratha warrior culture and Hindu cultural revival