ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF KOLHAPUR CITY

Transcription

1 CHAPTER III ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF KOLHAPUR CITY 3.1 INTRODUCTION In the Greek-Roman world of Europe, the city development started in 600 BC to 400 AD. The early urban growth in Western Europe was associated with Greek and Roman civilizations. The city of Babylon evolved in 600 BC. In Western Europe, many modern cities including London, originated during the Roman period. In India the tradition of urban living and town planning goes back to 5000 years.the cities of Indus valley civilization, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, which flourished about 5000 years ago. The other towns of this period are Patliputra, Ujjain, Banaras and Mathura. (Mandal, 2000).From AD 1000 to 1400, in Western Europe there was great expansion of urban places. By AD 1150, concept of town was fully established. In India, great cities were built in the medieval period by Chalukya, Rashtrakutasand Cholas. Vijaynagar flourished during 15th and 16th century. From 1st century BC onwards, Kolhapur had been successively ruled by the Satwahanas up to 218 AD, Rashtrakutas from 218 to 500 AD, and again from 750 to 975 AD, Shilaharas up to 1210 AD, Devgiri Yadav from 1210 to 1306 AD. All theses dynasties left evidence of their conquest of Kolhapur in the stone inscription. From1347 to1489 AD, Bahamani Kinghad ruled Kolhapur. Musalman period lasted from 1489 to 1659 AD. After 1660, Maratha had ruled Kolhapur (Sabnis, 1928). 3.2 ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Kolhapur is largest and oldest city of Western India. Brahmapuri, the oldest nucleus of the city, situated on the bank of river Panchaganga over two thousand years ago. Kolhapur is as old as that of its origin is attributed to the creator Brahma Himself in the Mythology. (Karaveer Mahatmya, Adhyaya 9:1 Shloka). In puranas it is known as Karaveera, after the legend that the Godess Mahalaxmi used her mace (Kar) to lift and save her favorite retreat from the water of the Great Deluge. According to another legend the name Kolhapur and Karaveer have been derived after two demons, Kolhasura and 34 P a g e

2 Karaveera, who lived in these parts and killed on a hill in the vicinity of the city by the Godess Mahalaxmi. Yet another analogy is that the name Kolhapur has been taken from the city s one time King, the Srigala (Sanskrit for fox, converted to Kolha in Prakrit). According to Rajawade, Kolla was the Godess of the Kols or Kohas, the aboriginal residents of the settlement and her shrine was named as Kolhapur, the name eventually degenerated into its Marathi form Kolhapur. In the Vayupurana and Brahmandapurana the reference of the place is found as follows. eynm ah$m H$mobdZm XwJm ñvmbrh$q> : gh (Sirkar, 1960) The Saraswatipurana describes Kolhapur as a great sacred place. lr _mh $ÊS>o` AwdmM$& nrr >H$moëhmnya Zm_ XodrZm àr{vdy Z_& _hmbú_r gzmwñvw ^ adñvì Zm`H$: &&232&& `ñ` nyd} _hmbú_r pñwvm H$moëbmM X{jUo& H $H$mb npím_o Xodr _hmh$mbr VWmoVao&&233&& (The saraswatipurana was composed in c.ad 1350) A section of the Markandeya purana, called Murtirahasya of Devimahatmya refers to the Godess Mahalaxmi. This purana is not older than AD 800. The Devimahatmya, the latest part of the Markandeyapurana, was certainly completed in 9 th century and might be in 6 th or 7 th AD century, proves that city was originated before 6th century. The place is described as the Kashi of the South in the Karaveerpurana. Not only this, but its importance is said more than Kashi (Karveer Mahatmya, Adhyaya 3:41 Shloka). The environment of city contain the names like Dwarka, Prayag, Rudragaya (Ibid, Adhyaya 6:26 Shloka). This increases the importance of the city. There is a reference of Kolhapur for other names also. Padmavati, Karaveerapura these names also connected with Kolhapur (Sankalia, 1952). It is known that old Kolhapur had number of tanks with lotuses. One of the 35 P a g e

3 tanks bears the name of Padmala. Therefore, it is possible that the name Padmavati stood for Kolhapur. Another possibility is that the city might be known as Padmavati because of Padma, the Godess of Jain tirthankar Parswanath (Gazetteer of Kolhapur, 1886). The word Kolhapur is found in Dvyasraya Kavya of Hemchandra (AD 1130), the famous Jain writer. He refers to gifts sent by the Lord of Kolhapur, who was blessed by the Godess Laxmi, for Prince of Chamuda, the son of Mularaja (Sankalia and Dikshit, 1952). Other explanation about origin of city is related to topography. The words Kolla and Kholla have been derived from an original Kanada word meaning low ground. Kholla also means a river valley and therefore, Kolhapur means a town situated in the valley of river. While the word Koll means a low lying trough between mountain ranges. A town situated in such a place being named Kolhapur, later it was transformed into Marathi as Kolhapur (Khare, 1949). Therefore, at least topographically, the name Kolhapur has been justified as the town really does lie in a sort of bowl formed by the end portion of five river valleys namely the Kasari, the Kumbi, the Tulshi, the Bhogawati and the Saraswati (known as underground River). All these rivers flowing into the Panchaganga before it reach the outskirts of Kolhapur town. The word Karaveera means H$adra = H $nmu, Vbdma, í_emz, _akq>, H$Zoad j. The word Kanher is written as H$Êhoa in Marathi. Place names of H$Êhoar is not unknown in Western Maharashtra. The plant of Kanheri is found around Kolhapur city. Therefore, it is possible that the name of Karaveera was came out due to the occurrence of Kanheri plant. The name of the city Belgaum may considered in this connection. It is derived from Velu means the bamboo which is abundance around Belgaum. The Gazetteer of Kolhapur District (1960) mentions various names of shrubs or trees in Kolhapur District. Amba, Kalamb, Shirul, Karvi, Kapshi, etc. of this Kalamb, Kapshi, Shirolare the names of places. Amba is the name of pass. There are many floral names of towns and villages are found in the Kolhapur District survey 36 P a g e

4 sheet (SOI sheet no. 47, 47, 47,). Mahalunge, Vadgaon, Haldi, Kaneri, Pimpalgaon, Boargaon, Padavalwadi, etc. settlements names are connected with various plants. Therefore, it is clear that it is practice in this region to name places after names of plants (Malshe,1974). The name of Karaveera is still used for Kolhapur. Presently, it is taluka place in which Kolhapur city located. The city of Kolhapur has really grown out of a clump of original seven small villages i.e. Brahmapuri, Uttareshwar (Lagmapur), Khol-Khandoba (Kesapur), Rankala, Padmala, Ravaneshwar and Laximiwadi-that were settled nearly 2000 years ago. The first three of these were situated on the southern bank of the river. While remaining three were located near lakes of the same names. Other villages were razed to the ground in an earthquake that rocked the area early in the 9 th century. The survivors regrouped in a single settlement in the vicinity of today s Mahalaxmi temple. The geographical condition has played a significant role in the location of following seven centres Brahmapuri The origin of this center can be traced in the 2 nd century BC. The natural condition of this centre is A) Protection by the river Panchaganga in the North, Jitistream in the East and Mayurteertha nallah from West. B) Surrounding fertile soil for agriculture. C) Free from flood of river Panchaganga. D) Presence of Ford of River Panchaganga. This center had trade and cultural ties with Roman Empire when it was at its Zenith. During the reign of King YadnyashatkarniDynasty ( AD), Brahmapuri village was gutted in blaze and despite attempt to resettle; it could never regain its lost glory due to earth quake that rocked in 9 th century. In 1877, in the Brahmapuri Hill, hundreds of coins and domestic use article of Maurya period have been discovered. It shows that Brahmapuri Hill which at one time may probably have Buddhist settlement. 37 P a g e

5 Bronze Sculpture of Devotees mounted on elephant According to Carl Khandelwal (1960), elephant sculpture size is 5 x 5.5 cm and showing the four devotees mounted on elephant. Other sculpture of bullock carts size is 20x11 cm and height is 10 cm. These sculptures has found on Brahmapuri hill in the year 1944 and related to Satavahanas period (3rd Century BC to 218 AD). Bronze sculpture Bullock carts of Satvahan period. 38 P a g e

6 3.2.2 Uttareshwar This centre located on high ground, less high than Brahmapuri. It is located between river and Rankala Lake. It is surrounded on north, west and south by flood at the time of flood. Ancient Shiva temple is found here between Rankala and river Kholkhadoba It is small centre located from very less distance from river. It is free from flood. The temple of Kholkhandoba, a god of non Aryan, is found here. This temple is found at lower level than surrounding ground. Hence the name Kholkhandoba existed.later on this region known as Budwarpeth Rankala It is an artificial lake created by impounding water of a stream by means of a small weir during ancient time. A small settlement existed around the lake. The settlement was surrounded by agriculture land. This location is away from flood. Now, this settlement is known as Shivajipeth Padmala This settlement also located near Lake Padmala. Availability of water, agriculture land and no fear of flood of Jiti stream were the important factors for the location of this village Ravaneswar This village was located near Ravaneswar Lake.It was located on higher ground and not far away from Jiti stream. Ample agriculture land was the main factor for the location of this village. At present this settlement is known as Ravivarpeth Mahalaxmi The shrine of Mahalaxmi temple was built at the centre of above six settlements. Due to the temple this settlement exited in 9 th century. The pull factor of this village was so powerful due to its religious importance. Therefore, other centers were merged in these settlements in course of time. 39 P a g e

7 3.3 MAHALAXMI TEMPLE The Mahalaxmi temple is very ancient temple in Kolhapur city. Kolhapur is known as Dakshin Kashi because of Mahalaxmi temple. In about 634 AD, the King Karnadeva of Chalukya Dynasty had begun the construction of temple but he could not complete it during his lifetime. Later on Chalukya lost Kolhapur to invaders. Nearly four century later, Shilahara and Chalukya came together and King Gandharadivya of Shilahar Dynasty finished the construction of temple and dedicated in to the Godess Mahalaxmi in about 9 th century. There are various opinions regarding the duration of construction period of temple. Satavahan, Rashtrakut, Chalukya, Shilahar, Moghal and Maratha had ruled on this city. Many Philosophers and academicians have mentioned their opinion about the origin of temple. Major Graham (1854), Kundankar (1939), Khare ( 1957), Mirashi (1975), and Dhere (2009) have mentioned that the temple was built before seventh century. In `Puranas, on `Tamrapatta, and `Shilalekha the references about Mahalaxmi has found. Ancient tamrapata of Rashtrakut King Amoghaversha I ( ), had mentioned the name of Mahalaxmi upon histamrapatta. This shows, according to Dr. Bhandarkar and Dr. Mirashi, the temple was built before 871 AD (Thakur, 2010). The King of Kandabaa Gruhal II (1038 AD) has mentioned the name of Mahalaxmi in his tamrapata along with Gokarn Mahabaleshwar and Sorati Somanath of Gujarat. It shows that the King was usually used to come to the darshan of Mahalaxmi. Therefore, it is clear that the temple was built before 10 th century. The King of Chalukya, Someshwar has written the article in Kanada language mentioning the name of Mahalaxmi during AD. This article was found in the temple of Shirur village of Bagalkot tahsil of Karnataka state. In 1058 AD, Shilaha King Marshing has written a tamrapata where he had mentioned himself as `Shrimahalaxmilabdverprasadadi. This shows that he was great devotee of Mahalaxmi. On 25 th December 1091, Chalukya King 40 P a g e

8 Vikramaditya IV has mentioned the name of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi on the `Shilalekha which was found in the temple of Kaleswar of Sortur village of Gadag tahsil of Karanataka state. This is first `Shilalekha about doanation to Mahalaxmi temple (Dhere, 2009). Shilahar King Bhoj II had made the arrangement of donation for lifelong `naivadya of Mahalaxmi on 25 th December Such type of `Tamrapata and `Shilalekh has been found in many places around Kolhapur and Karnataka state which shows that the Mahalaxmi temple was built during the 7 th to 9 th century. 3.4 HISTORY OF KOLHAPUR The history of this ancient city, sacred alike to the Hindu, the Jain and the Buddhist can be divided into six periods. The first Maurya period, the second Andhra period, the third Chalukya-Rastrakuta period, the forth Sialhar-Yadav, fifth the Bahamani-Bijapur and sixth period of Maratha. The first four periods cover the early years of Hindu Supremacy up to 1306 AD. The Bahamani-Bijapur or Mohomedan period lasted from 1306 to 1658 AD and the Maratha period was in between 1659 to 1837 AD (Sabanis, 1928). The history of Kolhapur can be divided into four periods as follows: Table 3.1 History Period of Kolhapur City Sr. No. Name Duration 1. Ancient Hindu Period 325 BC to 1306 AD 2. Muslim Period 1307 to 1658 AD 3. Maratha Emperor 1659 to 1837 AD 4. British Period 1838 to 1947 AD 5. Govt. of India After 1947 AD Source-Kolhapur District Gazetteer, ANCIENT HINDU PERIOD (325 BC to 1306 AD) The city of Kolhapur was founded about 2200 years back on the right bank of river Panchaganga. Therefore, it is one of the oldest urban centers of Maharashtra as well as India. Ancient Hindu period has divided as follows: 41 P a g e

9 (A) Satavahanas (3 rd Century BC to 218 AD) The first King of this dynasty was Krishnaraja. He was succeeded by Sumuka and then by Satkarni. Satkarni was ruled on Western part of South India from Krishna river in the south to Malwa in the North. Therefore, this region was the part of the Satavahana Empire. In the 3 rd century Mauryas period, on the bank of stream called jiti nallah, setup is marked by sacred spot called Gaya. But the spot has now undergone considerable change owing the diversion of current. Another fact is that several families in Kolhapur bear the surname More or Maurya proves that some residential areas of this city have belonging to that imperial race (B) Rastrakutas (218 AD to 500 AD) The Satavahana power came to end with the rise of the Vakatakas in Vindyha area, at about middle of the third century A.D. The Rastrakutas, Kadambas who were originally the princes of Satavahanas became independent. The King Abhimanyu had become the King of Rastrakutas, whose capital was at Man in Satara district. During the glorious days of the Andhras, Kolhapur or Hippocura as it was then called was the western capital of Andhras, just as Srikakulam was their Eastern capital as mention by Ptolemy, the Egyptian geographer in 151 AD (C) Chalukyas (500 AD to 750 AD) The Andhra period was succeeded by the Chalukyas period. This period is represented by a large number of inscriptions. Under these rulers more than half a dozen temples were built. The Chalukyas established their power in the territory by destroying the Rasrtakutas in the beginning of sixth century. The Chalukyas were a great power and claimed to be the lord of the land. They ruled on Kurundwad, Karad, Chiplun,etc towns. The Kolhapur territory must have been included in some of these units (D) Rastrakutas (750AD to 975 AD) After downfall of Chalukya, the Rasrakutas again ruled on Maratha region for 225 years. The names of the region they ruled like Koppara, Alaktaga, Srimla, etc. Some of the names are at present Alte (near Kolhapur), Karad, Karadga (near Nipani). Govinda III, a powerful King of dynasty had 42 P a g e

10 controlled the region between Narmada and Tungabhadra rivers, during 9 th century. The capital of Rastrakutas was first in Nasik district at Mayurkhandi, later it was shifted to Malkhed in Mysors state (Malase, 1974) (E) Shilaharas (975 AD to 1210 AD) The Rastrakuta power was ended by Chalukyas of Kalyani of Gulberga district of Karnataka state. The Shilahara of Kolhapur founded their principality at the end of the 10 th century by Marsing I. Their command was extended over the region around Kolhapur and some part of Belgaum district. A record of Vikramaditya V (AD ) found at Kotitirtha of Kolhapur. An inscription of the Shilahara King Gandardivya (AD ) calls Kolhapur a Mahatirtha (Sankalia, 1952). The greatest of the dynasty was Bhoja II ( AD), who built six forts i.e. Bavada, Bhudhargad, Vishalgad, Panhala, Pawangad and Samangad. Nearly 1360 Jain Bustis were built in the city. Rankala and other tanks were dug and built. Finally the Brahmapuri hill was abandoned as a living place (F) Yadavas of Deogiri (1210 to 1306 AD) The period of Silahara merges into Yadavas, who erected a number of shrines at Bid and Kolhapur territory and whose coins are still to be found. Several places in the territory attest their presence by the names still borne by some families, and also by evidence of archeological finds. Thus, Singnapur, a few km away from Kolhapur was probably headquarter of King Singhana II of this dynasty. The inscription stone bearing date saka 1135 ( AD) fixed on the walls of Khidrapur ( Kopeswara) temple, belongs to this King (Sabanis, 1928). The power of the Yadavas might have lasted till a defeat at the hands of Malik Kafur in 1307 AD Muslim Period (1307 to1658 AD) Soon after the defeat of Yadava by Malik Kafur the region around Kolhapur came under the the Bahamani King, Hasan Gangoo, who was returning from his campaign in Konkan, took Kolhapur and Karad from Hindu rulers. The King Mahamud Gavan conquered the forts of Rangana and Vishalgad in An officer was appointed by him to look after newly conquered region including Goa, Konkan and Kolhapur. The article and highly 43 P a g e

11 finished bangles which were found, shows a strong Iranian Muslim cultural influence of the region (Sankalia, 1952).Kolhapur came under rule of Bijapur in 1498, when the Bahamani rule came to an end. Ibrahim Adilshaha I and II had given more attention at Panhala fort. The architectural monuments and Persian inscription left by them, shows no evidence of Bijapur influence are found in Kolhapur. In 1631, when the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan started a campaign against Bijapur Kingdom. One Sidhi Raihan, who had distinguished himself by defeating the Mughal general Mahabatkhan, was invited by Adil Shah and honour the jagir of Kolhapur (Modak, 1893). In 1936, the Mughals capturured Kolhapur but return it to Bijapur King. Then Kolhapur region became the jagir of Bijapur court. After killing Afzel Khan at Pratapgad, Shivaji dashed southwards and took possession of Panhala and Pavangad on 28 th November 1659, within 18 days of Afzal Khan s death. The fort Panhala is at the distance of a gunshot from Kolhapur. What Sinhgad to Poona, Panhalgad to Kolhapur. Whenever Kolhapur hit by enemy, the people took the shelter of Panhala MARATHA PERIOD (1659 to 1837 AD) (A) Shivaji Shivaji was engaged in looting the Bijapur territory, from Panhala as his base land, till the 1 st March SidiJauhar, the Bijapuri general besieged Panhala to take revenge of the death of Afzel Khan. The English factory at Rajapur actively helped Sidi Jauhar by supplying him cannon and gun powder. In this connection one Mr. H. Revington and his colleagues crossed the Anaskura pass via Raipatan of Western Ghat on 2 nd April 1660 and caring with them mortars and shells ( Foster,1921).After enduring a siege from 2 nd March to 13 th July1660 at Panhala, Shivaji escaped to Vishalgad from where he went to Raigad. Shivaji recapture many forts and he captures Kolhapur in January Shivaji remained at Panhala in connection with military operation for about 400 days (Malshe, 1974) (B) Sambhaji Shivaji was succeeded by his eldest son Sambhaji. After the death of Shivaji in 1680, Sambhaji become the King of Panhala. He moved to Raigad to 44 P a g e

12 overcome all the oppositions. Ajam Shah, the Moghal Prince marched up to Kolhapur in 1683, but it was unsuccessful due to Hambirao Mohite. Sambhaji stayed in Panhala in order to keep close watch on Mughal enemies, which were engaged war with Bijapur and Golkonda. Sambhaji had halted at Sangmeswar on the way of Raigad. On hearing the news of halting of Sambhaji, Shaikh Nizam, the mughal officer started for Sangmeswar with selected troops. After two days he reached Sangmeswar and captured Sambhaji on 1 st February Due to rough relief, thick forest and thorny vegetation Sambhaji was not able to escape (C) Rajaram After Sambhaji s death, Rajaram succeeded as the King in The fort of Panhala was concurred by enemy but the fort of Rangana and Vishalgad were held by Ramchandra Panth, the Maratha general. Panhala was retaken by Parshuram Trimbak in On hearing the news of the loss of Panhala, dust of sarrow spread among Mughals. Alamgir said Not Panhala but Bijapur is lost (Pagadi, 1962). Rajaram expired in March 1700 at Sinhagad (D) Tarabai On the death of Rajaram his eldest son, Shivaji II was placed on the throne by Tarabai. She took the state her hand because the new raja was just 10 years old. Her position was very bad because Aurangjeb marched against Kolhapur and besieged Panhala, which he took on 28 th May Aurangzeb seems to have encamped at Brahmapuri (Kolhapur) during the siege of Panhala. Sir William Norris, ambassador of New East India Company was received by Aurangjeb during the siege of Panhala. Aurangjeb army was failed to conquer the Maratha territory due to physical condition of that region. Aurangjeb was not good fighter in hilly area and he was died in 1707 at Ahmadnagar. After Auragjeb death, The qilledar of Vishalgad, Audhutsing Bundela and the qilledar of Panhala, Ravatmal Jhala handed the forts to Maratha in The role of Tarabai who was good administrator, was important for this region. After the release of Shahu, (the son of Chhatrapati Sambhaji) by the Mughals, he assembled large force and defeated Tarabai s armies at Khed, near Ratnagiri in P a g e

13 3.4.3 (E) Sambhaji II Sambhaji II was succeeded to the throne at Panhala in 1714, when Tarabai and her son Shivaji II, were imprisoned by her co-wife. The dispute between Shahu of Satara and Sambhaji II was finally settled by treaty on April 1731 and Shahu accepted the sovereignty of the region between the river Krishna on north-east, Varna to north, Tungbhadra on south and part of Konkan between Salsi to Ankola. Sambhaji expired in 1760 without any issue (F) Shivaji III Jijabai, the widow of Sabhaji II, adopted the son of Shahji Bhosale in 1760 and named him Shivaji III. Jijabai assumed the charge of state during his long minority. This step was strongly opposed by the Peshva. The boy thus adopted received the name Shivaji and during his long minority the Kolhapur state was administered by his adoptive mother Jijabai. Due to piracy on the sea the Kolhapur darbar came in conflict with East India Company. The first treaty was signed in 1766 between them. The Malavrees were much feared all along the coast from Surat to Goa during the time when Tavernier visited this territory in Jijabai expired in the year Another treaty was concluded with East India Company in The Englishmen were authorized to establish a factory in Kolhapur. After a reign of fifty three years the raja Shivaji died in 1812, leaving two sons Shambhu alias Aba Saheb and Shahji alias Bhau Saheb. Shambhu ( ) was murdered by one Mohite of Karad. Shahaji ( ) had maladministration in state and provide an opportunity to the British to march a force on Kolhapur in British garrison was stationed at Kolhapur permanently. Shahaji was attacked with cholera and died at a village near Pandharpur in 1837, leaving two sons namely Shivaji and Shambhu generally known as Baba Saheb and Chima Saheb BRITISH PERIOD (1838 to 1947) (A) Shivaji IV (Baba Saheb) (1837 to 1866) The son of Shahaji came to gadi in Daji Krishna Pandit was appointed as minister with full power, as the raja was minor. He introduced some reforms in the city Kolhapur. Capt. Graham was appointed as first political superintendent in Then onwards the history of Kolhapur 46 P a g e

14 changed and Kolhapur state slowly went under British rule. Baba Saheb did not long enjoy his power, as he died in August A son that he had by his wife, the daughter of the Gaikwad of Baroda, had died some times previously, so being without issue, he adopted on his death bed Nagojirao, the son of his eldest sister. Nagojirao, after adoption known as Rajaram (M. S. Gazeteer, 1886) (B) Rajaram ( ) Rajaram was sixteen years old when he was adopted. He had some education in Bombay University. In May 1870, he went for Europe and spent five months. On 2 nd November 1870 he left England but unfortunately he met with very cold weather and died on 30 th November. As Rajaram left no issue, his widow adopted Narayanrao, the son of Dinkarao Bhosale in 1870 and named him as Shivaji V ( ), when he was just nine years of age. He studied in Rajkot. On 25 th December 1883 he died at Ahmadnagar. As Raja died without issue, the widow of Shivaji, Anandibai Saheb adopted Yashawantrao (Shahu), the eldest son of Kagal chief, on 17 th March (C) Shahu Maharaj, ( ) Shahu Maharaj known as Rajshri Shahu Chatrapati of Kolhapur. He was born on July 26th, His father name was Jashingrao Ghatage. For a short time, Shahu Maharaj was sent to Rajkot for further education. During , he took the education of English at Dharwad, Karnataka. He married with Laxmibai, the daughter of Khanvilkar of Baroda at the age of seventeen. Several public works had competed by him including New Palace, Albert Edward Hospital and Town Hall. The Kalmba tank was built which provided the city with pure drinking water. The Kolhaur Miraj railway also completed during his period. The Shivaji Bridge was built across the river Panchaganga connecting Kolhapur-Ratnagiri. His reign lasted for 38 years from March 17, 1884 to May 6, The genealogical table 3.2 shows for further details of Kolhapur Gadi. 47 P a g e

15 48 P a g e

16 3.4.5 FOREIGNERS VISIT TO KOLHAPUR Whether Kolhapur was known to the Greek and Romans, who had a flourishing trade with the Western coast of India during ancient times, is a matter of difference of opinion. According to Dr. Bhandarkar, Greek Ptolemy mentions Hippokoura the capital of Balaekouros, stands for Kolhapur. The archaeological evidence found at Kolhapur (Brahmpuri) shows that the city had trade relation with Romans. In seventh century, trader Hiuen T sang passed through Maharashtra, but he did not mention Kolhapur. The Italian traveler Marco Polo visited West coast of India but did not visit Kolhapur. The Arab travelers, who furnish excellent description of West coast of India, did not refer to Kolhapur. Ibn Khurradadbih furnishes the information regarding Rastrkutas princes but does not mention about Kolhapur. Ibn Butta, the Urab travller, went Daulatabad from Delhi and then visited Goa via Gujrath but missed Kolhapur in seventeenth century. Traveler Tavernier J. and Bernier F. visited India in middle of seventeenth century. They visited Surat, Aurangabad, Golkunda, Daulatabad, Muchilipattanam, Goa, Burhanpur and other places but did not visit Kolhapur. Bernier visited Surat, Ahmadabad, Golkunda and other places but did not visit Kolhapur (Milford, 1914). Even though, many British officers visited Kolhapur in eighteenth and nineteenth century due to official work. Hamilton state that, although Colapoor (Kolhapur) has long been town of considerable note, yet it never having been visited by Brtish army or traveler (Hamilton, 1820). Situated in remote area of Sahyadri mountain foothills and away from principle roads in those days, thickly forest area, due to these factors foreigners were not visited in large numbers. 3.5 EVOLUTION OF KOLHAPUR CITY From its origin to eighteenth century, the city Kolhapur had not developed, due to uncertainty of social condition. In this long period, many Kings (or raja s) ruled Kolhapur but they failed to develop the city. In ancient period Mourya, Rastrakuta, Chalukya, Yadava fights each other for Kolhapur. This shows that the social condition was not safe for common man during ancient Hindu ruling period. In fourteenth to sixteenth century Mughals were 49 P a g e

17 ruled Kolapur but this period was also very taugh for the city as far as social and economical condition is concern. In Maratha period, only Chhatrapati Shivaji, Tarabai and Chhattrapati Shahu Maharaj, had strongly worked for the social and economical condition of the state. After eighteenth century, the evolution of the city took place Eighteenth Century Early of this century, the town did not grow much due to war between Mughals and Maratha. When condition become favorable, the capital of Karaveer state shifted from Panhala to Kolhapur in This event encourage for the expansion of settlement. People were interested to build houses around Mahalaxmi temple and around the Maharajas palace. A wall was constructed around the settlement and everyone was tried to settle within the wall as there was constant fear of robbers outside. Those who failed to accommodate here, went to outside. This shows that, at the end of this century there was no space for construct houses. The roads were narrow and dirty. The town was circular in shape Nineteenth Century The early decades of this century Kolhapur had haphazard growth. People were constructed their houses according their will. The houses were badly ventilated and insanitary condition. The population of Fort area (within wall area named as fort.) increased. After entrance of British Superintendent, the town entered in another phase of development. The sense of safety encouraged people to build houses outside the fort wall. New suburbs of Shaniwarpeth and Somwarpeth emerged. The condition of the city during 19 th century traced with the help of map. Welsh J. had drawn the sketch map of Kolhapur in 1853, shows the condition correctly. The map shows that I) the town was densely settled between Panchganga river, Jiti stream and Padmala lake. II) One road leads from fort to Panchganga river. III) Marshy area existed along the bank of Panchganga, Jiti streme and around Padmala Lake (Fig. 3.1). The first survey map of the area was published by East India Company, in 1852 on a scale of 1 inch to 4 miles. After observing that map one can conclude that a) it is first survey map of the region. b) Rankala lake clearly 50 P a g e

18 shown. c) The Mayurteerth streme falling in Panchganga river. d) The new road joining town with Bawda village across the river to top village. E) Fort area densely settled. However the map of 1862 gives detail information. This map shows Compact settlement in fort area, Shukrawarpeth, Budwarpeth, Shaniwarpeth, Somwarpeth, Raviwarpeth, Mangalwarpeth, Khasbagh, and some garden also seen on this map, includes Belbagh, Hathibagh near Padmala, Khasbagh near Ravneswar, Dhotribagh near Gangavesh, Bagh near Babujamal Masjid, Bagh near varunteerth, etc. (Fig. 3.2). The expansion of the city to the north of Jiti stream started in the middle of 19 th century. During British Residency was located along the old Poona Banglore Highway, near Bawada village. The line bazaar emerged as a result of this expansion. The New Palace also built near this residency in At this new center several chiefs and Sirdars of Maratha built their bungalows. This area becomes the new suburb of the city. In later part of the 19 th century, the wall of the fort area was demolished. A wide circular road was constructed on the site of the wall. It is still known as Kot Rasta. The new road was constructed between Kolhapur and Ratnagiri. Thus Kolhapur becomes the gate way of Konkan. The railway was extended from Miraj to Kolhapur in The sight of railway station was chosen at the east of the Jiti stream. The railway station area began to develop as a new centre. The Shahupuri Scheme was under taken in The location of Shahupri was between old town and railway station. The site of Railway station and Shahupuri was on agriculture land that could have been avoided by building the railway station on mal area (Malshe, 1974) Twentieth Century At the beginning of this century many pools and tanks were filled up some pools were drained. Therefore, more land becomes available in old town area for settlement. The site of the pools is given to play grounds, educational institutions, new colonies and parks. Shahu Chhtrapati Spinning Mill was started on 27 th September 1906, near Kotitirth. This was important 51 P a g e

19 event in this century. Due to this mill, mal area developed as Rajarampuri. This area was low land values in those days. The tank between town and Laxmipuri was filed in and Laxmipuri Scheme was brought up in In 1927, the Willson Bridge was constructed connecting Shahupuri and railway station. Rajarampuri Scheme took place in The area of Rajarampuri was stony and mal, therefore the land values were very low in those days. The open land between railway station and Rajarampuri developed as Syke s Extension in The area between Shahupuri and Residency had developed as Tarabai Park Scheme. The area was uneven, stony and non agricultural, therefore the land values were low. Shivaji Udyamnagar was cited on the open land between the Textile mill and the Jiti Stream during the year As the area located along the Jiti stream on low land, at least a part of it is subject to flood. This area is bounded by jiti stream to the west, Shahu mill to the east, settled area to the north. Therefore, it can expand to south only up to Sagar mal. It is industrial area where several small industries have located during last century. The Phulewadi Scheme was implemented during It was the only Scheme which was located to the west of city and Rankala Lake, but it was not attracted to people in those days, as it was far away from the city and Poona Banglore Highway. The Northern area of Padmala lake (groves and garden area) has developed as Khasbagh and Belbagh colonies, after Other colonies are: Sakoli between Kot area and Shivajipeth, Ravaneswar near Khasbagh, etc. In , Sambhajinagar vasahat was existed near Padmalalake. Jawar Nagar and Subhash Nagar situated on the bank of Gomati and Jitinalas. Apatenagar, old Washinaka, Tapowan, Dudhali, Nale Colony, Saulnkhenagar, etc. colonies are developed in A Ward. In E Ward, Jadhavwadi, Bhosalewadi, Kadamwadi, Kasaba Bawada, Vikrammnagar, etc. colonies are developed after Apart From this some colonies are developed such as Baba Nagar, Bapat Nagar, Bhakti puja Nagar, Chilley Colony, Devane Colony, Datta Colony, Ganesh Colony, Hanuman Nagar, Indrajeet Colony, Jarag Nagar,Laxminagar Vasahat, Mhada Colony, Muktasainik Colony, Navi More Colony, Padma Colony, 52 P a g e

20 Patrkar Nagar, Postal Colony, Race Cource Naka, Rajendra Nagar, Ramanand Nagar, R. K. Nagar, Rayt Colony, Raigad Colony, Sadar Bazar, Sasane Nagar, Shahu Colony, Vidya Nagar, VikramNagar,etc. The most important development is the opening of University at Kolhapur in The university is located on uneven barren land along with old Poona-Bangalore National Highway. Ring road connects university campus with old city. The university area has called as Vidyanagar. Rajaram College, Polytechnic College and Agriculture College include Vidyanagar area. New Villages like Pachgaon, Morewadi, Ujalaiwadi, Sarnobatwadi, Unchagaon, Shiroli, Wadange, Chikali, Shingnapur, Nagadevwadi, Balinge, Padali Khurd, Wadipir and Kalamba are actually developed as the suburbs of the city, but due to not permission for the area extension of the city by government, these villages are still known as rural component (Fig. 3.4). 3.6 SPATIAL SHAPE OF KOLHAPUR CITY The study of spatial shape of urban areas is important in urban geography as well as for planning purpose (Gibb s, 1966). It is largely guided by topographical attributes of the site, nature and type of municipal transportation system and traffic management, besides the relative position of the sub urban centre s in the neighborhood, etc. The urban planner is often requiring finding solution of various problems associated with the spatial shape of the city. The economic and administrative efficiency of the area is closely connected with the shape of the area. Hagget has developed to measure the shape of counties in Brazil. They are contact numbers and shape index. For contact between areas, shape index gives an idea whether the shape of the area is nearer to quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon or circular shape. Gibb s observed that, in general, the urban centre s are either in circular or rectangular or star shaped. He has calculated the shape index of some American cities with the help of following formula. This index is related to the area of the circle that would be generated by longest axis to the actual area, so that values of 100 indicate a circular shape. Circular shape is an ideal shape for the development of the area. 53 P a g e

21 S = 1.27 x A t 2 Where, S = Measure of circularity A = Area of the City T = Length of longest axis in the city With taking into consideration above formula the Kolhapur City s Shape index has been calculated as follows: S = 1.27 X = 0.37 In this way, shape indexes of some south Maharashtra cities including Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Sangli-Miraj Corporation and Satara cities has been calculated. North Maharashtra city Jalgao also consider for shape index. These indexes are shown in Table 3.3. Sr. No. City Table 3.3 Shape Index of Cities Area of the Distance in km City (Sq. km) between two most distance points in city periphery Index 1 Kolhapur Ichalkaranji Satara Sangli-Miraj Corporation 5 Jalgao Source- Census of India, District Census Handbook, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Jalgao District, It is observed that Jalgao city has most ideal shape than other cities. The shape of the city Ichalkaranji is near to quadrilateral, the Kolhapur city s shape looks like pentagon. Sangli-Miraj and Satara cities shapes area near to square. (Fig.3.5) 54 P a g e

22 3.7 CONCLUSION In the Greek-Roman world of Europe, the city development started in 600 BC to 400 A D. The early urban growth in Western Europe was associated with Greek and Roman civilizations. The city of Babylon evolved in 600 BC.In Western Europe, many modern cities including London, originated during the Roman period. In India the tradition of urban living and Town planning goes back to 5,000 years. The cities of Indus valley civilization, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, which flourished about 5,000 years ago. The other towns of this period are Patliputra, Ujjain, Banaras and Mathura. From AD 1000 to 1400, in Western Europe there was great expansion of urban places. By AD 1150, concept of town was fully established. Kolhapur is largest and oldest city of Western India. Brahmapuri, the oldest nucleus of the city, situated on the bank of river Panchaganga over two thousand years ago. Kolhapur is as old as that of its origin is attributed to the creator Brahma Himself in the Mythology. In puranas it is known as Karaveera, after the legend that the Godess Mahalaxmi used her mace (Kar) to lift and save her favorite retreat from the water of the Great Deluge. According to another legend the name Kolhapur and Karaveer have been derived after two demons, Kolhasura and Karaveera, who lived in these parts and killed on a hill by the Godess Mahalaxmi.There is a reference of Kolhapur for other names also. Padmavati, Karaveerpura these names also connected with Kolhapur. It is known that old Kolhapur had number of tanks with lotuses. One of the tanks bears the name of Padmala. Therefore, it is possible that the name Padmavati stood for Kolhapur. Another possibility is that the city might be known as Padmavati because of Padma, the godess of Jain tirthankar Parswanath. The city of Kolhapur has really grown out of a clump of original seven small villages i.e. Brahmapuri, Uttareshwar (Lagmapur), Khol-Khandoba (Kesapur), Rankala, Padmala, Ravaneshwar and Laximiwadi- those were settled nearly 2000 years ago. The first three of these were situated on the southern bank of the river. While remaining three were located near lakes of 55 P a g e

23 the same names. Other villages were razed to the ground in an earthquake that rocked the area early in the 9 th century. The survivors regrouped in a single settlement in the vicinity of today s Mahalaxmi temple. The Mahalaxmi Temple is very ancient temple in Kolhapur city. Kolhapur is known as Dakshin Kashi because of Mahalaxmi temple. In about 634 AD, the King Karnadeva of Chalukya Dynasty had begun the construction of temple but he could not complete it during his lifetime. Later on Chalukya lost Kolhapur to invaders. Nearly four century later, Shilahara and Chalukya came together and king Gandharadivya of Shilahar Dynasty finished the construction of temple and dedicated in to the Godess Mahalaxmi in about 9 th century. In `Puranas, on `Tamrapatta, and `Shilalekha the references about Mahalaxmi has found. Ancient tamrapata of Rashtrakut King Amoghaversha I ( ), had mentioned the name of Mahalaxmi upon his Tamrapatta. This shows that the temple was built before 871 AD. The history of this ancient city, sacred alike to the Hindu, the Jain and the Buddhist can be divided into six periods. The first Maurya period, the second Andhra period, the third Chalukya-Rastrakuta period, the forth Silhar- Yadav, Fifth the Bahamani-Bijapur and Sixth period of Maratha. The First four periods cover the early years of Hindu Supremacy up to 1306 AD. The Bahamani-Bijapur or Mohomedan period lasted from 1306 to 1658 AD and the Maratha period was in between 1659 to 1837 AD. The city of Kolhapur was founded about 2200 years back on the right bank of river Panchaganga. Therefore, it is one of the oldest urban centers of Maharashtra as well as India. Satavahanas first King Krishnaraja ruled Kolhapur in third century BC. He was succeeded by Sumuka and then by Satkarni. Satkarni was ruled on Western part of South India from Krishna river in the south to Malwa in North. Therefore, this region was the part of the Satavahana Empire. King Abhimanyu had become the King of Rastrakutas, whose capital was at Man in Satara district. During the glorious days of the Andhras, Kolhapur or Hippocura as it was then called was the western capital of 56 P a g e

24 Andhras, just as Srikakulam was their Eastern capital as mention by Ptolemy, the Egyptian geographer in 151 A.D. Chalukyas established their power in the territory by destroying the Rasrtakutas in the beginning of sixth century. The Chalukyas were a great power and claimed to be the lord of the land. They ruled on Kurundwad, Karad, Chiplun, etc towns. The Kolhapur territory must have been included in some of these units. Rastrakutas After downfall of Chalukya, the Rasrakutas again ruled on Maratha region for 225 years. The names of the region they ruled like Koppara, Alaktaga, Srimla, etc. Some of the names are at present Alte (near Kolhapur), Karad, Karadga (near Nipani). Govinda III, a powerful King of dynasty had controlled the region between Narmada and Tungabhadra rivers, during 9 th century. Shilaharas of Kolhapur founded their principality at the end of the 10 th century by Marsing I. Their command was extended over the region around Kolhapur and some part of Belgaum district. Yadavas of Deogiri who erected a number of shrines at Bid and Kolhapur territory and whose coins are still to be found. Several places in the territory attest theirpresence by the names still borne by some families, and also by evidence of archeological finds. Soon after the defeat of Yadava by Malik Kafur the region around Kolhapur came under the Bahamani King, Hasan Gangoo, who was returning from his campaign in Konkan, took Kolhapur and Karad from Hindu rulers. In 1631, when the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan started a campaign against Bijapur Kingdom. One Sidhi Raihan, who had distinguished himself by defeating the Mughal general Mahabatkhan, was invited by Adil Shah and honour the jagir of Kolhapur In Maratha period, Shivaji was engaged in looting the Bijapur territory, from Panhala as his base land, till the 1 st March Sidi Jauhar, the Bijapuri general besieged Panhala to take revenge of the death of Afzel Khan. 57 P a g e

25 Shivaji was succeeded by his eldest son Sambhaji. After the death of Shivaji in 1680, Sambhaji become the King of Panhala. He moved to Raigad to overcome all the oppositions. After Sambhaji s death, Rajaram succeeded as the King in The fort of Panhala was concurred by enemy but the fort of Rangana and Vishalgad were held by Ramchandra Panth, the Maratha general. Panhala was retaken by Parshuram Trimbak in On the death of Rajaram his eldest son, Shivaji II was placed on the throne by Tarabai. She took the state her hand because the new raja was just 10 years old. Her position was very bad because Aurangjeb marched against Kolhapur and besieged Panhala, which he took on 28 th May Sambhaji II was succeeded to the throne at Panhala in 1714, when Tarabai and her son Shivaji II, were imprisoned by her co-wife. The dispute between Shahu of Satara and Sambhaji II was finally settled by treaty on April 1731 and Shahu accepted the sovereignty of the region between the river Krishnaon north-east, Varna to north, Tungbhadra on south and part of Konkan between Salsi to Ankola. Sambhaji expired in 1760 without any issue. Jijabai, the widow of Sambhaji II, adopted the son of Shahji Bhosale in 1760 and named him Shivaji III. Jijabai assumed the charge of state during his long minority. This step was strongly opposed by the Peshva. Shambhu was murdered by one Mohite of Karad. Shahaji ( ) had maladministration in state and provide an opportunity to the British to march a force on Kolhapur in British garrison was stationed at Kolhapur permanently. Shahaji was attacked with cholera and died at a village near Pandharpur in 1837, leaving two sons namely Shivaji and Shambhu generally known as Baba Saheb and Chima Saheb. The son of Shahaji came to gadi in Daji Krishna Pandit was appointed as minister with full power, as the raja was minor. He introduced some reforms in the city Kolhapur. Capt. Graham was appointed as first political superintendent in Then onwards the history of Kolhapur changed and Kolhapur state slowly went under British rule. 58 P a g e

26 Rajaram was sixteen years old when he was adopted. He had some education in Bombay University. In May 1870, he went for Europe and spent five months. On 2 nd November 1870 he left England but unfortunately he met with very cold weather and died on 30 th November. As Rajaram left no issue, his widow adopted Narayanrao, the son of Dinkarao Bhosale in 1870and named him as Shivaji V ( ), when he was just nine years of age. Shahu Maharaj known as Rajshri Shahu Chatrapati of Kolhapur. He was born on July 26th; His father name was Jashingrao Ghatage. For a short time, Shahu Maharaj was sent to Rajkot for further education. Several public works had competed by him including New Palace, Albert Edward Hospital and Town Hall. The Kalmba tank was built which provided the city with pure drinking water. Early of eighteenth century, the town did not grow much due to war between Mughals and Maratha. When condition become favorable, the capital of Karaveer state shifted from Panhala to Kolhapur in The early decades of this century Kolhapur had haphazard growth. People were constructed their houses according their will. The houses were badly ventilated and insanitary condition. The population of Fort area (within wall area named as fort.) increased. After entrance of British Superintendent, the town entered in another phase of development. The sense of safety encouraged people to build houses outside the fort wall. New suburbs of Shaniwarpeth and Somwarpeth emerged The expansion of the city to the north of Jiti stream started in the middle of 19 th century. During British Residency was locatedalong the old Poona Banglore Highway, near Bawada village. The line bazaar emerged as a result of this expansion. The New Palace also built near this residency in The railway was extended from Miraj to Kolhapur in The sight of railway station was chosen at the east of the Jiti stream. The railway station area began to develop as a new centre. At the beginning of this century many pools and tanks were filled up some pools were drained. Therefore more land becomes available in old town 59 P a g e

27 area, for settlement. The site of the pools is given to play grounds, educational institutions, new colonies and parks. Shahu Chtrapati Spinning Mill was started on 27 th September 1906, near Kotitirth. This was important event in this century. Due to this mill, mal area developed as Rajarampuri. This area was low land values in those days. The most important development is the opening of University at Kolhapur. The university is located on uneven barren land along with old Poona Bangalore National Highway. Ring road connects university campus with old city. The university area has called as Vidyanagar. RajaramCollege, Polytechnic College and Agriculture College include Vidyanagar. It is observed that Jalgao city has most ideal shape than other cities. The shape of the city Ichalkaranji is near to quadrilateral, the Kolhapur city s shape looks like pentagon. Sangli-Miraj and Satara cities shapes area near to square. 60 P a g e