10th century

During the 10th century CE, Kolhapur entered a new phase of political importance and religious prominence. This period marks the transition from Rashtrakuta rule to the emergence of new regional powers in the Deccan, and Kolhapur began to rise as a significant center.

?️ Kolhapur in the 10th Century CE: Key Events & Developments

1. ⚔️ Decline of the Rashtrakutas

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  The powerful Rashtrakuta dynasty, which ruled Kolhapur in the 9th century, began to decline in the late 10th century.

  
  


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  Internal conflicts and invasions weakened their control.

  
  


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  By around 973 CE, the dynasty had collapsed.

  
  

2. ? Rise of the Western Chalukyas (Chalukyas of Kalyani)

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  After the fall of the Rashtrakutas, the Western Chalukyas (also called Chalukyas of Kalyani) rose to power under Tailapa II.

  
  


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  Kolhapur became part of their expanding empire.

  
  


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  The Chalukyas revived the old Chalukyan traditions of administration, temple building, and patronage of Hinduism.

  
  

3. ? Growth of the Mahalakshmi Temple

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  The Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai Temple) in Kolhapur gained increasing importance during this century.

  
  


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  Though the current temple structure was renovated and expanded in later centuries, it is believed that a substantial stone temple existed by the 10th century, possibly supported by local rulers or feudatories.

  
  


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  The goddess Mahalakshmi became a central part of Kolhapur’s religious identity.

  
  

4. ? Religious and Cultural Life

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  Shaivism and Shaktism (worship of the goddess) dominated the religious landscape.

  
  


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  Jainism also remained active, with temples and scholars supported by wealthy merchant communities.

  
  


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  Local rulers may have commissioned temples, inscriptions, and patronized arts and learning.

  
  

5. ? Language, Inscriptions & Literature

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  Sanskrit and Kannada continued to be used in inscriptions.

  
  


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  Old Marathi began to appear more often in local records.

  
  


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  Copper plate grants and stone inscriptions from nearby regions confirm temple donations and land grants during this time.

  
  

6. ?️ Economy and Trade

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  Kolhapur was a prosperous agrarian region with an emerging role as a pilgrimage and market center.

  
  


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  Its location on trade routes made it a hub for textile, jewelry, and foodgrain exchange.