16th century

In the 16th century CE, Kolhapur witnessed continued Islamic rule through successor sultanates of the Bahmanis, while local Maratha power and Hindu cultural revival quietly gained momentum. The Mahalakshmi Temple remained a deeply significant religious site, and Kolhapur’s local identity grew stronger despite being under the rule of foreign Muslim powers.

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?️ Kolhapur in the 16th Century CE

1. ? Under the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur

After the breakup of the Bahmani Sultanate (in 1527 CE), Kolhapur came under the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.

The Adil Shahis ruled most of southern Maharashtra and north Karnataka from their capital in Bijapur.

Kolhapur was governed by Adil Shahi officials, but actual control in rural areas was often in the hands of Maratha Deshmukhs (local chiefs).

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2. ✊ Rise of Maratha Nobility (Pre-Shivaji Era)

Many Maratha families started rising in military ranks under Adil Shahi service (including Shivaji’s ancestors).

Local Maratha Deshmukhs and sardars played important roles in maintaining law, tax collection, and protection.

Though still under Adil Shahi rule, Marathas were consolidating local power in areas like Kolhapur, Pune, and Satara.

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3. ? Mahalakshmi Temple – Unshaken Spiritual Center

The Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur remained fully active, despite being under a Muslim-ruled Sultanate.

It received land and support from local landlords, and pilgrims continued to visit.

The temple may have undergone maintenance or minor additions, even if major construction slowed.

It served as a symbol of Hindu cultural continuity.

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4. ? Bhakti Movement – Deep Impact

The Bhakti movement was flourishing:

Saint Eknath (1533–1599) was a key figure during this time.

His Marathi devotional poetry emphasized personal devotion over rituals and caste.

Kolhapur, as a temple city, was influenced by this wave of inclusive spiritual expression.

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5. ? Economy and Society

The economy was locally driven:

Agriculture remained the main livelihood.

The temple economy brought wealth via donations and pilgrimage.

Handicrafts and textile work were active.

The Adil Shahis levied taxes through Maratha intermediaries, but also patronized some local Hindu traditions to maintain stability.

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6. ? Language and Culture

Marathi grew in literary, administrative, and devotional use.

Persian was still the language of the Adil Shahi court.

Sanskrit was used in religious rituals and inscriptions.

Cultural identity in Kolhapur became more distinctly Marathi-Hindu, even under Muslim rule.

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? Summary Table: Kolhapur in the 16th Century

Aspect Description

Ruling Power Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur

Local Power Maratha Deshmukhs and sardars controlled administration locally

Temple Activity Mahalakshmi Temple thrived as a religious and cultural hub

Religion Shaktism, Shaivism, and Bhakti movement traditions

Languages Marathi (common), Sanskrit (religious), Persian (official)

Culture Devotional poetry (e.g., by Eknath), temple songs, oral traditions

Economy Agriculture, temple donations, crafts, local trade

Emerging Identity Strong Maratha cultural identity formed; seeds of Shivaji’s movement