In the chronicles of the Maratha Empire, which usually focus on the Peshwas and the Satara line, the story of the Kolhapur dynasty is very much a part of Indian history. Out of a royal bloodline of Shivaji Maharaj came the State of Kolhapur, which was founded by Rani Tarabai, the tenacious widow of Chatrapati Rajaram Maharaj. That principality grew to be a separate political entity, which at times went its own way from the Satara court and which also played out its own political games in the midst of Maratha internal politics and colonial advance.

The Genesis of a Separate State

The Maratha break-up took place upon the death of Chatrapati Rajaram. His widow, Rani Tarabai, took up the issue of her son Shivaji II (1700- 1712)’s claim against that of Shahu, which had a base in Satara. Shivaji II was put on the throne at Vishalgad in 1700 with Tarabai as regent. But internal palace issues led to his dethronement in 1714. Into the void thus created came Sambhaji II (1712- 1760), the second son of Rajaram from another queen, Rajasabai.

Sambhaji II ruled during a time of strife with Chatrapati Shahu. At first allied with the Nizam of Hyderabad to bring down Shahu, Sambhaji II in the end was defeated by Shahu’s forces. The issue was put to rest by the Treaty of Warna in 1730, which also determined the division of the lands. Sambhaji II came out with sovereignty over the area between the Warna and Krishna rivers, which in turn gave Kolhapur its independent status.

Era of Conflict and Survival

Following the time of Sambhaji II, the throne went to his adopted son Shivaji III (1760- 1812). His long reign saw continuous war. As Jijabai served in a regency during his early years, the state was attacked by Peshwas and Patwardhans. Also at this time, maritime piracy grew to be a large problem on the Konkan coast, which in turn drew in the British East India Company. The British took Fort Malwan (Fort Augustus) to put down the piracy, which they later returned to Kolhapur for a great indemnity.

In the 19th century, British intervention grew. Shambhuji (1812- 1821), also known as Abasaheb, aligned with the British against the Peshwas, which in turn he used to recover territories like Chikodi. That said, stability did not settle in. Also, his successor, Shahaji (1821- 1837), known as Buvasaheb, had a very poor record in administration, which is reported to have included support for highwaymen, which in turn left the state in a constant state of disturbance.

The British Paramountcy and Rebellion

The reign of Shivaji IV (1837- 1866) saw the inculcation of British control. At a young age, during his minority, administrative reforms put forth by the British-appointed ministers caused a revolt in 1844. Also, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, in which the King supported the British, his brother Chima Sahib joined the rebels. After the defeat of the uprising, Shivaji IV was given the ‘Order of the Star of India’ for his loyalty.

Succession problems dogged the dynasty through the years. Rajaram I (1866- 1870) died young in Florence, Italy, and his successor Shivaji V (1870- 1883) went unstable, which in turn saw the rise of a Regency Council.

The Visionary Reformer: Shahaji Maharaj.

The Golden age of Kolhapur came in the reign of Shahu IV (1884- 1922), who is today remembered as Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. A progressive ruler, he transformed the social structure of the state. Shahu Maharaj was a strong advocate for the downtrodden. He introduced reservations in employment and education for non-Brahmins, which at that time was not a national policy issue. Also a great supporter of widow remarriage and the eradication of child marriage, he also put up the Radhanagari Dam, which has brought about agricultural betterment. Also a patron of art and sports, in particular of wrestling, which today makes Kolhapur a preeminent centre.

Modernisation and Merger

The legacy of reform was carried on by Rajaram II (1922- 1940), who set up the Kolhapur High Court and improved the city’s infrastructure. After a short rule by Shivaji VI (1941- 1946), the throne went to Shahoji II (1947- 1983), the former Maharaja of Dewas. A distinguished military man who served in Africa, Shahoji II, saw the transition of the princely state into the Dominion of India. On March 1, 1949, Kolhapur became part of the Bombay Presidency, which put an end to its run as a sovereign entity but left in its wake a rich heritage of resilience and social reform.