1st century

In the 1st century CE, Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra) was part of a larger historical and cultural landscape rather than an independently documented city as we know it today. Here's what we know about the Kolhapur region during that time:

?️ 1. Satavahana Rule (c. 1st century BCE – 2nd century CE)

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  The Satavahana dynasty, one of the earliest Indian dynasties after the Mauryas, ruled over large parts of the Deccan, including western Maharashtra—which includes modern Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Their capital was at Pratishthana (modern Paithan), but their influence extended to Kolhapur's area.

  
  

Key points:

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  They promoted trade, especially with the Roman Empire, which brought economic prosperity.

  
  


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  Buddhism flourished under their patronage; they supported Buddhist monasteries and cave temples.

  
  


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  They issued coins, inscriptions, and built infrastructure like roads that connected trade centers.

  
  

? 2. Early Settlements and Trade

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  The region was likely a part of the Dakshinapatha (southern trade route) connecting ports on the west coast (like Sopara) to the interior.

  
  


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  Kolhapur's fertile land and location near the Western Ghats made it suitable for agriculture and trade.

  
  

?️ 3. Religious Landscape

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  Early Buddhism and Shaivism (worship of Shiva) coexisted in the region.

  
  


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  Kolhapur would later become a major Shakti Peetha (seat of the goddess), but this strong ociation with Mahalakshmi likely grew in prominence in later centuries (not the 1st century yet).

  
  

? 4. Archaeological Evidence

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  The Brahmapuri excavation site near Kolhapur has unearthed Roman coins, pottery, beads, and terracotta, suggesting active trade and urban settlement possibly as early as the 1st-2nd century CE.

  
  


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  This hints at cultural and commercial links with the Mediterranean world during the time.