1st century

Kolhapur in the 1st century CE does not have direct historical records like major empires such as Rome or Han China. However, based on archaeological evidence and regional history of Maharashtra and Deccan, we can reconstruct what likely happened in the Kolhapur region during that time:

?️ Kolhapur Region in the 1st Century CE

1. Rule of the Satavahana Dynasty

• The Satavahanas were the dominant rulers of the Deccan plateau, including Kolhapur and surrounding areas.


• They ruled from about 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE.


• Kolhapur likely formed part of a Satavahana province or was influenced by their administration and culture.

2. Trade and Commerce

• The region was connected to Indo-Roman trade routes.


• Goods like spices, cotton textiles, gemstones, and pearls from western India were traded with the Roman Empire.


• The nearby coastal ports like Sopara (Nala Sopara) and Kalyan were active trade hubs.

3. Religion and Culture

• Buddhism and Brahmanism (early Hinduism) coexisted.


• Buddhist cave temples and stupas were carved in nearby regions like Karle, Bhaja, and Nasik – so Buddhist influence likely extended to Kolhapur as well.


• The use of Prakrit language and Brahmi script was common for inscriptions and records.

4. Early Urbanization and Settlement

• Kolhapur was likely a small urban settlement or a cluster of agrarian villages.


• The region’s agriculture would have been supported by rivers like Panchganga.


• Pottery, beads, and other archaeological remains show that settled life and craft production existed.

? Religious Sites (Possibly in Early Form)

• While the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is now a major religious center, the current structure dates much later.


• However, the site may have been spiritually significant even in the 1st century, possibly as a local shrine or natural place of worship.