11th century

During the 11th century CE, Kolhapur emerged as a significant regional center under the Shilahara dynasty of Kolhapur. This century saw important developments in politics, religion, temple construction, trade, and regional identity.

✅ Key Things That Happened in Kolhapur During the 11th Century:

1. Rule of the Shilahara Dynasty

• 
  

  Kolhapur was ruled by the Shilaharas of South Konkan (Kolhapur branch), who became powerful after the fall of the Rashtrakutas.

  
  


• 
  

  Prominent rulers like Gonka I, Gonka II, and Bhoja I expanded their territory and governed from Kolhapur.

  
  


• 
  

  They were Hindu rulers who patronized Shaivism, though Jainism and Vaishnavism also existed.

  
  

2. Rise of Kolhapur as a Regional Capital

• 
  

  Kolhapur transitioned from being just a local center to a prominent administrative capital.

  
  


• 
  

  The Shilaharas made Kolhapur the heart of their kingdom, issuing land grants and royal charters from here.

  
  

3. Expansion and Renovation of the Mahalakshmi Temple

• 
  

  The Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) Temple, one of the most important temples in Maharashtra, was likely renovated or expanded under Shilahara rule.

  
  


• 
  

  Inscriptions from this period mention royal donations to the temple.

  
  


• 
  

  The goddess Mahalakshmi became widely revered and ociated with royal authority.

  
  

4. Construction of Temples and Religious Endowments

• 
  

  Several temples were built or supported during this time, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and regional deities.

  
  


• 
  

  Land grants were made to Brahmins, temple priests, and Jain monasteries.

  
  

5. Development of Art and Architecture

• 
  

  Temple structures from the 11th century show Chalukya and early Yadava influence—stone temples with intricate carvings and stepped mandapas.

  
  


• 
  

  Local black stone was commonly used in temples, a style that continued into later centuries.

  
  

6. Trade and Economy

• 
  

  Kolhapur was connected to major inland and coastal trade routes, linking it to Goa, the Konkan ports, and the Deccan plateau.

  
  


• 
  

  Artisans and merchants flourished under royal patronage.

  
  

7. Use of Inscriptions and Early Marathi Language

• 
  

  Several stone and copper-plate inscriptions from the 11th century were found in the Kolhapur region.

  
  


• 
  

  These were primarily written in Sanskrit, but early forms of Marathi began appearing in administrative use.

  
  

Summary – Major Developments in Kolhapur (11th Century):