18th century

The 18th century was a foundational and politically complex period for Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India). After the Maratha Empire split due to succession disputes, Kolhapur emerged as a separate Maratha princely state, ruled by the Bhosale family. This century was marked by dynastic struggles, British diplomacy, military campaigns, and the evolution of Kolhapur as an independent power center, distinct from the Peshwa-dominated Pune court.

1. Political Situation

• 1700 CE – After the death of Rajaram Maharaj, his widow Tarabai established a rival court at Kolhapur for her son, Shivaji II, creating a split in the Maratha royal line.


• Treaty of Warna (1731) – The Maratha Empire formally split into:




• Satara under Shahu (supported by the Peshwas),


• Kolhapur under the Bhosales of Shivaji II’s line.




• Successive rulers of Kolhapur State in the 18th century included:




• Shivaji II (r. 1710–1714),


• Sambhaji II (r. 1714–1760) – a strong ruler who fought with the Peshwas,


• Shivaji III and successors – dealt with internal power struggles.




• The British East India Company began to intervene in Maratha affairs by the late 1700s, affecting Kolhapur through diplomacy and pressure.

2. Trade and Economy

• Kolhapur’s economy revolved around:




• Agriculture (rice, sugarcane, cotton),


• Temple-based revenue, especially the Mahalakshmi shrine,


• Local crafts (brware, textiles),


• Taxation and jagir (land revenue) systems.




• Interactions with the Portuguese in Goa and the British expanded through military alliances and trade.


• Minting of local coins and control over regional markets gave Kolhapur economic autonomy.

3. Urban and Agriculture

• Kolhapur developed further as a fortified town with:




• Royal palaces, gardens, and granaries,


• Administrative offices and courts,


• Improved roads and irrigation tanks.




• Agriculture expanded with local canal projects, although frequent conflicts and droughts disrupted rural stability.

4. Language and Inscriptions

• Marathi was the official language of administration and royal correspondence.


• Inscriptions and documents reveal:




• Royal grants,


• Treaties with the British and other Indian states,


• Religious donations and temple management orders.

5. Religion and Culture

• The Mahalakshmi temple continued to be the religious heart of Kolhapur, with major patronage from the Bhosale rulers.


• Kolhapur became a center for Shakta worship and hosted thousands of pilgrims annually.


• Bhakti traditions (especially Varkari and Ramdasi sects) flourished, with religious music, storytelling, and devotional literature.


• Folk arts, including lavani dance, tamasha theater, and powadas (heroic ballads), gained popularity under Maratha support.