14th century

During the 14th century CE, Kolhapur faced major political upheavals, military invasions, and a shift in cultural dynamics. The once-prosperous city, which flourished under the Yadavas in earlier centuries, experienced decline due to external invasions, especially from the Delhi Sultanate. However, religious life, particularly centered around the Mahalakshmi Temple, persisted and helped preserve Kolhapur’s identity.

?️ What Happened in Kolhapur During the 14th Century?

1. ⚔️ End of Yadava Rule & Delhi Sultanate Invasion

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  In 1296 CE, Alauddin Khalji, general of the Delhi Sultanate, invaded and defeated the Yadava ruler Ramachandra of Devagiri.

  
  


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  The Yadava kingdom collapsed in the early 1300s.

  
  


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  Kolhapur, part of that kingdom, likely came under indirect control of the Delhi Sultanate.

  
  

✅ Kolhapur faced destruction, looting, and loss of political autonomy during this period, especially early in the century.

2. ? Turmoil and Local Resistance

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  Local chiefs and Maratha warrior families began organizing resistance, trying to protect temple centers.

  
  


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  Kolhapur was not directly ruled by Delhi but was controlled through military governors and tribute systems.

  
  


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  Later in the century, Bahmani Sultanate (founded in 1347) took over large parts of the Deccan.

  
  
  
  
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    Kolhapur likely came under Bahmani influence but may have had semi-independent local rule.

    
    
  
  
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    Border tensions between Bahmanis and Hindu chiefs created instability.

    
    
  
  
  
  

3. ? Mahalakshmi Temple Survives

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  Despite political disorder, the Mahalakshmi Temple remained active, with some local restoration possibly done by local elites or Brahmin families.

  
  


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  It likely escaped major destruction, unlike other temples in northern Maharashtra.

  
  


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  The temple continued to attract pilgrims, donations, and festivals, though likely with reduced grandeur.

  
  

?️ Society, Trade, and Economy

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  Trade and agriculture declined due to:

  
  
  
  
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    Wars and looting

    
    
  
  
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    Decline in temple-based economy

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Many villages were abandoned or taxed heavily by governors.

  
  


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  However, Kolhapur’s location still allowed some trade with Konkan via mountain pes.

  
  

? Language and Culture

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  Old Marathi continued as a spoken and partially written language, especially in religious and folk contexts.

  
  


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  Sanskrit remained in limited use for temple inscriptions and rituals.

  
  


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  The foundations of Maratha regional identity began to form through local oral traditions, ballads, and bhakti poetry.