14th century

During the 14th century CE, Kolhapur experienced significant upheaval due to invasions, dynastic collapse, and eventual incorporation into larger Islamic sultanates. It was a time of political instability but also saw the continuation of religious traditions centered around the Mahalakshmi Temple.

? Kolhapur in the 14th Century CE: Key Events & Developments

1. ⚔️ Fall of the Yadava Dynasty

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  In 1296 CE, Alauddin Khalji of the Delhi Sultanate invaded the Deccan.

  
  


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  By 1317 CE, the Yadava capital Devagiri (Daulatabad) fell to the Khalji forces under Malik Kafur.

  
  


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  Kolhapur, under Yadava control until then, came under Delhi Sultanate influence in the early 14th century.

  
  

2. ? Control by Delhi Sultanate

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  From about 1317 to mid-century, Kolhapur and the Deccan were ruled by governors appointed by the Delhi Sultanate.

  
  


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  Local resistance and instability were common during this period.

  
  

3. ⚔️ Rise of the Bahmani Sultanate

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  In 1347 CE, the Bahmani Sultanate was founded by Hasan Gangu (Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah), a former governor of the Delhi Sultanate.

  
  


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  Kolhapur, like much of the western Deccan, likely came under Bahmani control during the second half of the 14th century.

  
  

4. ? Religious Continuity Amid Turmoil

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  Despite political instability, the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur continued to function and attract pilgrims.

  
  


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  Local Maratha families, temple priests, and small chiefs (deshmukhs) preserved Hindu religious traditions.

  
  


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  Some Hindu temples were destroyed or looted during invasions, but the Mahalakshmi Temple likely survived due to local protection and religious significance.

  
  

5. ? Bhakti Movement Begins to Emerge

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  The 14th century saw the early rise of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra.

  
  


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  Saints like Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, and others laid the foundation for devotional worship that would flourish in Kolhapur and the region in the 15th century.

  
  


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  Their teachings reached Kolhapur through pilgrims and religious gatherings.

  
  

6. ? Languages and Literature

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  Old Marathi gained popularity among saints and poets.

  
  


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  Persian became the language of administration under the Delhi and Bahmani sultanates.

  
  


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  Local inscriptions continued to appear in Marathi and Sanskrit, especially on temple walls and copper plates.