18th century

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happened in Kolhapur city during the 18th century (1700–1799 CE) — a dynamic period that shaped Kolhapur’s political and cultural identity:

? 1. Formation of Kolhapur State (Early 1700s)

• After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s grandson Rajaram I (1700), a succession conflict split the Maratha royal family.


• Kolhapur became an independent Maratha kingdom, separate from Satara, led by:




• Tarabai (Rajaram’s widow) as regent


• Shivaji II, her son, who became Kolhapur’s first Chhatrapati






• This led to the creation of two Maratha capitals:




• Satara (under Shahu I, later controlled by the Peshwas)


• Kolhapur (ruled directly by the Bhosale royal family)

⚔️ 2. Conflicts and Politics

• Ongoing rivalry with the Peshwas of Pune, who dominated most of the Maratha Empire.


• Kolhapur had to defend its autonomy through diplomacy, warfare, and treaties.


• The British East India Company started entering Maratha politics by the late 18th century. Kolhapur had early diplomatic exchanges with them.

? 3. Religion and the Mahalakshmi Temple

• The Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur remained the spiritual heart of the city.


• Rulers patronized temple rituals, repairs, festivals, and processions.


• Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism flourished side by side.


• Pilgrims from across Maharashtra and Karnataka visited the temple regularly.

? 4. Culture, Language, and Arts

• Marathi was the court language, while Sanskrit was used in religious and scholarly contexts.


• The Kolhapur court supported:




• Clical music and dance


• Temple arts and sculpture


• Religious literature and epic storytelling (kirtans, bhajans)

?️ 5.City Development and Economy

• Kolhapur city grew into a royal capital, with:




• Palaces (like the predecessor of the New Palace)


• Forts (notably Panhala Fort)


• Gardens, markets, and residential quarters






• The economy was driven by:




• Agriculture (sugarcane, rice)


• Textiles and jewelry


• Craftsmanship, especially metalwork


• Trade with other Maratha territories and the coast

? 6. Administration and Law

• The Kolhapur rulers maintained a feudal administrative system:




• Deshmukhs, Patils, and revenue officers collected taxes


• Justice and governance were dispensed through royal courts