12th century

During the 12th century CE, Kolhapur continued to thrive as a religious, political, and economic center under the rule of the Shilahara dynasty, even as larger power shifts unfolded across the Deccan. This century marks the final phase of Shilahara rule in Kolhapur and the gradual takeover by the Yadavas of Devagiri.

?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 12th Century?

1. ? Decline of the Shilaharas of Kolhapur

• 
  

  The Shilaharas still ruled Kolhapur in the early 12th century, but their power weakened over time.

  
  


• 
  

  By the mid to late 1100s, their territory faced pressure from the rising Yadava dynasty of Devagiri.

  
  


• 
  

  The last prominent Shilahara rulers tried to resist Yadava expansion but were eventually absorbed or reduced to vals.

  
  

Notable Shilahara rulers in this period:

• 
  

  Guhala III

  
  


• 
  

  Bhoja III

  
  

2. ⚔️ Rise of the Yadavas of Devagiri

• 
  

  The Seuna (Yadava) dynasty, with its capital at Devagiri (Daulatabad), expanded southward into Kolhapur and other parts of western Maharashtra.

  
  


• 
  

  By the late 12th century, Kolhapur likely came under Yadava control.

  
  


• 
  

  Yadava rulers like Bhillama V and Jaitugi I consolidated their rule and promoted Marathi culture and temple-building.

  
  

? Religion and Temple Life

1. Mahalakshmi Temple Flourishes

• 
  

  The Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) Temple in Kolhapur remained a major pilgrimage site.

  
  


• 
  

  Inscriptions and donations from this time indicate continued worship, festivals, and temple expansion.

  
  


• 
  

  The temple received land grants, gold, livestock, and servants for its operations.

  
  

2. Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism

• 
  

  Shaktism (Goddess worship) remained dominant in Kolhapur.

  
  


• 
  

  Shaivite mathas (monasteries) were active.

  
  


• 
  

  Some Jain temples also existed in and around the region (Jainism had royal patronage in western Maharashtra).

  
  

?️ Economy and Urban Growth

• 
  

  Kolhapur remained a commercial hub due to its location between Konkan ports and the Deccan interior.

  
  


• 
  

  Economic activities included:

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    Agriculture (rice, millet, sugarcane)

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Crafts (metal idols, pottery, weaving)

    
    
  
  
  • 
    

    Trade in temple goods, grains, spices

    
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  

  Markets, artisans' quarters, and temple service villages were integrated into urban planning.

  
  

? Language and Administration

• 
  

  Sanskrit was used for formal inscriptions and grants.

  
  


• 
  

  Old Marathi increasingly appeared in donation records, poetry, and administrative documents.

  
  


• 
  

  Land grant inscriptions continued to be issued to Brahmins and temples.