8th century

During the 8th century CE, Kolhapur saw a shift in political control and began developing into a more defined cultural and religious center. This century marked the end of Early Chalukya rule and the rise of the Rashtrakutas, along with the appearance of powerful local dynasties that shaped the region’s identity.

?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 8th Century?

1. ? Fall of Early Chalukyas and Rise of the Rashtrakutas

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  Around 753 CE, the Rashtrakuta Dynasty (founded by Dantidurga) overthrew the Chalukyas of Badami.

  
  


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  The Rashtrakutas made Manyakheta (Malkhed) their capital and ruled much of the Deccan, including Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Under Rashtrakuta rule, Kolhapur likely served as a strategic regional center.

  
  

Key Rulers:

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  Dantidurga (r. 735–756 CE) – founder of the Rashtrakuta empire.

  
  


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  Krishna I (r. 756–774 CE) – known for building the Kailasa Temple at Ellora; continued Rashtrakuta control in western Maharashtra.

  
  

2. ⚔️ Rise of the Shilahara Dynasty (Late 8th Century)

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  The Shilaharas of Kolhapur emerged around the end of the 8th century, as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas.

  
  


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  Their rule became more independent in the following centuries.

  
  


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  Kolhapur later became the capital of the Shilaharas in the 10th century.

  
  

✅ This period marks the beginning of Kolhapur’s identity as a distinct political center.

? Religion and Culture

1. Growth of Mahalakshmi Worship

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  The Goddess Mahalakshmi was increasingly worshipped in Kolhapur.

  
  


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  The original form of the Mahalakshmi Temple may have been built or expanded during the Rashtrakuta–Shilahara transition.

  
  


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  Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism were dominant.

  
  


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  Temples and agraharas (land grants to Brahmins) became common.

  
  

2. Temple Architecture

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  Influence of Rashtrakuta-style rock-cut and structural temples.

  
  


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  Temples used stone with intricate carvings, possibly precursors to later Hemadpanthi styles.

  
  


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  Ellora (not far from Kolhapur) was at its architectural peak under Rashtrakutas.

  
  

?️ Economy and Society

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  Agriculture flourished; the Panchganga basin provided fertile lands.

  
  


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  Kolhapur was part of inland trade routes connecting the Deccan plateau to western ports.

  
  


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  Society was feudal, with landholding Brahmins, warrior elites, and craftsmen.

  
  


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  Trade included textiles, grains, oil, iron tools, beads, and temple goods.

  
  

? Language and Administration

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  Sanskrit was the official language for inscriptions and religious texts.

  
  


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  Early Marathi (Desi Prakrit) continued as the spoken language.

  
  


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  Copperplate inscriptions recorded land grants, showing literacy and structured governance.