Solapur district was ruled by various dynasties including Andhrabhrtyas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, and Bahmanis. Research indicates that during the Kalachuri period of Kalyani, the city was referred to as 'Sonalage' in an inscription of Shiva Shri Siddheshwar, pronounced as 'Sonalgi'. During the Yadava period, this village was also known as 'Sonalji'. An inscription found in Kamat-Mohol dated Shaka 1238 reveals that after the fall of the Yadavas, the city was called Sonalipur. Another inscription found in Solapur Fort suggests the city was named Sonalipur, while another inscription in the fort valley indicates it was known as Sandalpur. During the Muslim period, the city was called Sandalpur. Hence, the 'na' in 'Sonalapur' was dropped. Later, British rulers declared Solapur as Sonalge and thus the district was named accordingly. Present-day Solapur district was part of Ahmednagar, Pune, and Satara districts. After the 1956 State Reorganization, Solapur was included in Bombay State and in 1960, it became a district of the entire Maharashtra State.

Geographically, Solapur is located between 17.10 to 18.32 degrees latitude and 74.42 to 76.15 degrees east longitude.

The annual Gadda Yatra has been celebrated in Solapur, Maharashtra for the past 900 years. This festival attracts millions of devotees from surrounding areas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is a perfect symbol of communal and social harmony.

Solapuri Chadar ("Solapuri bedsheet") is a fabric bedsheet made in Solapur city in Maharashtra state, India. This bedsheet is popular in India. Solapuri Chadar was the first product from Maharashtra. Solapur is famous for its textile industry. It was once Asia's largest cotton spinning mill. Besides Maharashtra, Solapur's bedsheets are in demand in other states as well as abroad.