1st century

During the 1st century CE, Kolhapur, located in present-day Maharashtra, was not yet a fully developed city as we know it today. However, it was part of a historically significant region in western India. Here's what we know or can infer about Kolhapur and its surroundings during that time:

? 1. Rule of the Satavahana Dynasty

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  Kolhapur was likely under the control of the Satavahana dynasty, one of the major Indian dynasties of that era.

  
  


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  The Satavahanas ruled much of central and southern India from around the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE.

  
  


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  They were known for promoting trade, Buddhism, and urban development.

  
  

? 2. Spread of Buddhism

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  The region saw the growth of Buddhism, with caves and stupas built in nearby areas (e.g., Karla, Bhaja, Ajanta, etc.).

  
  


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  While there is no direct evidence of major Buddhist monuments in Kolhapur from the 1st century, the influence likely reached the area.

  
  

⚱️ 3. Trade and Cultural Exchange

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  The Satavahana period was marked by active trade with the Roman Empire and other parts of India.

  
  


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  Inland trade routes ped through Maharashtra, and Kolhapur’s location near the Western Ghats could have made it a part of this network.

  
  

?️ 4. Early Settlements and Agriculture

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  Kolhapur region, rich in rivers like the Panchganga, had early agricultural settlements.

  
  


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  These communities likely formed small villages and early towns.

  
  

? 5. Lack of Direct Inscriptions

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  There are no known inscriptions or monuments directly from Kolhapur city dated to the 1st century.

  
  


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  Most archaeological and inscriptional evidence in Maharashtra from this time comes from cave complexes and Satavahana records.

  
  

Summary:

In the 1st century CE, Kolhapur was:

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  Part of the Satavahana Empire

  
  


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  Influenced by Buddhism and trade

  
  


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  Likely a rural or semi-urban settlement

  
  


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  Culturally connected to the Deccan region’s broader historical trends

  
  

If you're interested, I can generate a map of the Deccan in the 1st century CE or a reconstruction of how Kolhapur might have looked at the time.