10th century

During the 10th century CE, Kolhapur transformed into a fully established regional capital under the Shilahara dynasty, gaining importance as a political, religious, and cultural center in the western Deccan. This was a century of consolidation, temple-building, and vibrant regional identity.

?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 10th Century?

1. ? Shilahara Dynasty of Kolhapur Becomes Independent

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  The Shilaharas of Kolhapur, originally Rashtrakuta feudatories, became increasingly independent in the 10th century.

  
  


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  They established Kolhapur as their capital city and built infrastructure and temples to reflect their power.

  
  


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  The dynasty ruled southern Maharashtra and parts of the Konkan.

  
  

Important Rulers:

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  Jatiga II

  
  


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  Bhoja I

  
  


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  Guhala I

  
  

✅ These rulers issued inscriptions and land grants, many found near Kolhapur, confirming their control and patronage.

2. ⚔️ Decline of Rashtrakutas, Rise of Western Chalukyas

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  The Rashtrakutas weakened by the late 10th century, leading to the rise of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani.

  
  


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  Though the Shilaharas claimed independence, they occasionally acknowledged Chalukya overlordship, depending on political pressure.

  
  

? Religious and Cultural Developments

1. Mahalakshmi Temple Becomes a Royal Shrine

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur gained fame and royal patronage during the 10th century.

  
  


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  The Shilaharas possibly renovated or rebuilt it in stone, contributing to its iconic architectural style.

  
  


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  The goddess was worshipped as Ambabai, a form of Shakti.

  
  

2. Other Temples and Sculptural Art

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  Several stone temples were constructed in and around Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and local deities reflected a syncretic religious culture.

  
  


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  Sculptures from this era show Deccan-style iconography and black basalt carvings.

  
  

?️ Trade, Economy, and Society

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  Kolhapur became a flourishing urban center with trade routes connecting it to:

  
  
  
  
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    Konkan coast (through Gaganbawda p)

    
    
  
  
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    Inland Deccan (Paithan, Kalyani)

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Economy based on:

  
  
  
  
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    Agriculture (paddy, sugarcane, pulses)

    
    
  
  
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    Temple-based economy (land grants, offerings)

    
    
  
  
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    Textiles, oil pressing, metalwork

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Artisan guilds and merchant communities supported temple life and infrastructure.

  
  

? Language, Inscriptions, and Education

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  Sanskrit was still the formal language of inscriptions and grants.

  
  


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  Old Marathi (Marathi-Prakrit hybrid) was increasingly spoken in daily life.

  
  


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  Inscriptions mention donations to temples, construction of tanks, and grants to Brahmins.

  
  


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  Brahmapuris (Brahmin settlements) developed around temples.