7th century

During the 7th century CE, Kolhapur was part of a dynamic and changing political and cultural landscape in the Deccan region. While direct records about Kolhapur city itself in the 7th century are limited, historical and archaeological evidence from nearby regions helps us reconstruct the likely situation.

? Kolhapur in the 7th Century CE: Key Events & Developments

1. Early Chalukya Influence

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  The Chalukyas of Badami (also called Early Western Chalukyas) were the dominant power in the Deccan.

  
  


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  They ruled from their capital at Badami (in present-day Karnataka), and their influence extended into southern Maharashtra, including Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Important Chalukya rulers of this time:

  
  
  
  
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    Pulakeshin II (reigned c. 610–642 CE) – known for defeating Harshavardhana in the north and expanding the Chalukya empire.

    
    
  
  
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    He may have controlled or had suzerainty over Kolhapur during his reign.

    
    
  
  
  
  

2. Battle with Pallavas

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  Pulakeshin II also fought the Pallavas of Kanchipuram in the south.

  
  


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  His death in a Pallava invasion (around 642 CE) led to temporary setbacks for the Chalukyas.

  
  

3. Religious Developments

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  Shaivism and Vaishnavism were both practiced; Hindu temples were being built across the region.

  
  


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  The Chalukyas were patrons of Hinduism, especially Shaivism.

  
  


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  Nearby cave temples and rock-cut architecture (like at Elephanta, Badami, and Aihole) flourished under their influence.

  
  

4. Language and Literature

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  Kannada and Sanskrit inscriptions were common under Chalukya rule.

  
  


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  Use of the Old Kannada script and Sanskrit Prashastis (eulogies) in inscriptions.

  
  

5. Art and Architecture

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  Though Kolhapur does not have many surviving structures from the 7th century, early rock-cut temples and shrines may have existed in nearby regions.

  
  


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  Later temples in Kolhapur (e.g., the famous Mahalakshmi Temple) likely evolved from earlier shrines.

  
  

6. Early Settlements

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  Kolhapur likely had agrarian settlements, small administrative centers, and religious shrines.

  
  


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  It was probably a regional trade and cultural hub, though not yet a major capital.