19th century

The 19th century was a defining period for Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India) as it transitioned from an independent Maratha princely state to a British protectorate under indirect colonial rule. While it retained its royal identity, the century was marked by political reform, social awakening, and early modernization efforts, especially under enlightened rulers like Shivaji IV and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj (towards the end of the century).

1. Political Situation

• Early 1800s:




• Kolhapur was ruled by the Bhosale dynasty, but faced internal unrest and palace intrigues.


• The British East India Company increasingly interfered, especially after the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1818).




• 1820: Kolhapur officially became a British protectorate under the Subsidiary Alliance, meaning it retained local rulers but accepted British supervision.


• Mid-1800s: Several regencies and child monarchs resulted in British Residents (colonial advisors) playing a dominant role.


• 1884: Accession of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj (at age 17, coronated in 1894), a visionary social reformer who would define the coming 20th century.

2. Trade and Economy

• Kolhapur’s economy was still agriculture-based, but the 19th century brought:




• Land revenue reforms under British influence,


• Growth of cash crops like sugarcane, cotton, and tobacco,


• Emergence of weaving, brware, and jaggery trade.




• British railways and roads expanded slowly toward the end of the century, improving connectivity to Pune, Belgaum, and Bombay.


• Kolhapur’s artisans and farmers increasingly entered into colonial trade networks, especially via Kolhapuri chappals and textiles.

3. Urban and Agriculture

• Urban Kolhapur expanded beyond the temple zone, featuring:




• New schools, hospitals, administrative buildings,


• Roads, street lighting (by gas), and early municipal services,


• Continued centrality of the Mahalakshmi temple.




• In rural areas:




• Irrigation tanks and bunds were repaired or rebuilt,


• British surveys were conducted for land settlement and taxation,


• Famines and plague outbreaks affected agrarian life.

4. Language and Inscriptions

• Marathi remained the principal language of local governance and education.


• English began to gain influence in elite education and administration due to British schooling.


• Documents from the 19th century include:




• British reports, revenue records, royal orders, and social reform charters (especially later under Shahu Maharaj).


• Stone inscriptions for temple donations and land grants continued but reduced in frequency.

5. Religion and Culture

• Religious life centered around the Mahalakshmi temple, still attracting pilgrims across Maharashtra and Karnataka.


• The Bhakti tradition remained active, and Haripath recitals, kirtans, and temple processions continued.


• Cultural revivalism included:




• Growth of folk theatre, tamasha, and powadas (heroic songs),


• Patronage of Marathi drama and devotional music.




• Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj began promoting anti-caste policies and the education of backward cles toward the century’s end, laying the groundwork for modern social reform.