15th century

Here’s a detailed overview of what happened in Kolhapur city during the 15th century (1400–1499 CE) — a time marked by political upheaval, changing rulers, and continuity of religious life:

? 1. Political Situation

? Decline of Yadava Influence (earlier centuries)

• The Yadavas of Devagiri, who once controlled Kolhapur, had fallen in the 14th century due to Delhi Sultanate invasions.


• By the 15th century, Kolhapur was under Islamic Sultanate control and frequently changed hands.

? Bahmani Sultanate Rule

• Kolhapur came under the Bahmani Sultanate (based in Gulbarga and later Bidar).


• The Bahmani rulers governed through local governors (amirs) who oversaw administration and tax collection.


• Although Kolhapur was not a central city of the sultanate, it was strategically important and part of its southern provinces.

⚔️ 2. Military and Strategic Importance

• The region saw conflicts between the Bahmani Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire, which fought over the Deccan.


• Kolhapur, located near the Ghats and important pes, had military garrisons or fortified posts.


• Rivalries between Bahmani nobles and rising Maratha families started to simmer in this period, laying seeds for future power shifts.

? 3. Religion and Temple Activity

• Despite Muslim rule, local Hindu temples like the Mahalakshmi Temple remained active, though under restrictions.


• Worship of Mahalakshmi, Shiva, and Ganapati continued among the local population.


• Many temples may have seen reduced royal patronage but survived through local community support.


• Sufi saints and Islamic cultural influence also increased, and dargahs may have been established in nearby regions.

? 4. Language and Culture

• The region experienced a blend of cultures:




• Persian was used for administration under the Sultanates.


• Marathi was spoken widely and used in religious or local contexts.






• Oral traditions, bhakti poetry, and folk arts continued to grow.

?️ 5. Economy and Society

• The economy was mostly agrarian, with Kolhapur’s fertile lands supporting crops like sugarcane, rice, and millets.


• Trade routes ped through Kolhapur, connecting it with Goa (under Vijayanagara control at times) and the Deccan plateau.


• Crafts like weaving, pottery, metalwork, and local trade remained active.