8th century

During the 8th century CE, Kolhapur continued to develop under changing political and cultural influences in the Deccan region. Though direct historical records about Kolhapur city are still limited for this century, broader events in the region help us understand what likely happened there.

?️ Kolhapur in the 8th Century CE: Key Highlights

1. ⚔️ Decline of Chalukyas & Rise of Rashtrakutas

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  The Chalukyas of Badami began to decline in the early 8th century.

  
  


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  Around 753 CE, the Rashtrakuta dynasty rose to power after Dantidurga, a feudatory of the Chalukyas, defeated them and established an empire.

  
  


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  Kolhapur and surrounding areas came under Rashtrakuta control and remained part of their empire.

  
  

2. ? Rashtrakuta Empire Establishment

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  Dantidurga (r. 735–756 CE) was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

  
  


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  His successors, like Krishna I, expanded the empire, including parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

  
  


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  Kolhapur would have likely been an important provincial center or military outpost during this time.

  
  

3. ? Religious and Cultural Life

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  The Rashtrakutas supported Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

  
  


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  Temples and mathas (monasteries) may have been established or expanded in Kolhapur.

  
  


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  Although the famous Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur gained major prominence later, it may have had an early shrine during this period.

  
  

4. ?️ Art and Architecture

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  The Rashtrakutas were great builders. While their major architectural achievements like Ellora’s Kailasa Temple came in the 9th century, the groundwork was laid in the 8th century.

  
  


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  Kolhapur may have had early stone temples or wooden shrines, although very few survive today from this period.

  
  

5. ?️ Economy and Trade

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  Kolhapur’s fertile land supported agriculture — likely crops like rice, sugarcane, and millet.

  
  


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  It was also situated near trade routes connecting the Deccan with the coast, contributing to local trade in textiles and jewelry.

  
  

6. ? Languages and Inscriptions

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  Kannada, Sanskrit, and early Marathi were likely used.

  
  


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  Inscriptions from this period in nearby regions often used Kannada and Sanskrit in the Devanagari or early Kannada scripts.