The region, known as Kundal (now a small village near Sangli city) in medieval India, was the capital of the Chalukya Empire in 12th century AD.
Sangli State [1] was one of the 11-gun salute princely states of British India, under the Kolhapur-Dekkan Residency in the Bombay Presidency, and later the Deccan States Agency. It was one of the southern Maratha Jagirs. Its territory was widely scattered among other native states and British districts.
Sangli was part of Maratha Empire, however, there are no direct references mentioning Sangli before 1801. During the time of Shivaji, Sangli, Miraj and surrounding areas were captured from the Mughal Empire. Until 1801, Sangli was included in Miraj Jahagir. The First Chintamanrao Appasaheb Patwardhan established a different principality with Sangli as the capital city.
The Principality of Sangli covered an area of 1112 square miles (2942 square kilometers), and had a population of 226,128 in 1901, while the population of the town itself was 16,829 in that year. In 1911, the state enjoyed a revenue estimated at £10,000.
The last ruler of Sangli was Capt. HH Shrimant Raja Saheb Sir Chintamanrao II Dhundirajrao Appasaheb Patwardhan. Sangli joined the Dominion of India on March 8, 1948 and is currently a part of the state of Maharashtra.
The city derives its name from "Saha Galli" ("Six Lanes" in Marathi). Sangli city is known as Natyapandhari, the birthplace of Marathi drama. The city has a rich cultural influence of Marathi music & drama. It has a historic Ganpati temple built in the 18th century by ruling Patwardhan dynasty of Sangli. The temple attracts thousands of devotees annually.
Sangli previously known as southern satara.
Sangli is birth place of many legends in social as well as political reformers. Gopal Ganesh Agarkar born in Thembu [Small town in Khanapur-Aatpadi constituency]. Balgandharva was also born in this distcrict. Also Maharashtra's Former Chief-Minister Vasantraodada Patil Born in Padmale (Near Sangli). Other notable personality born in Sangli include Asha Bhosle.
