7th century CE

In the 7th century CE, the region of Kolhapur was undergoing significant political and cultural transformation. Although Kolhapur as a well-developed city had not yet emerged, it was part of a dynamic part of the Deccan Plateau, influenced by major dynasties and evolving religious and artistic movements. Here's a detailed overview:

? 1. Decline of the Early Chalukyas

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  The Chalukyas of Badami, who rose to power in the 6th century, dominated most of southern Maharashtra, including the Kolhapur region.

  
  


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  Under kings like Pulakeshin II (r. 610–642 CE), the Chalukyas controlled a large empire stretching from the Narmada to the Kaveri.

  
  


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  Pulakeshin II likely had control over Kolhapur, using it as part of his western frontier against rivals like the Kalachuris and Pallavas.

  
  


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  After Pulakeshin II was killed in battle with the Pallavas (around 642 CE), the Chalukya empire fragmented for a time.

  
  

? 2. Local Governance and Minor Dynasties

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  In the power vacuum after Pulakeshin II's death, local feudatories or smaller dynasties may have taken temporary control over the Kolhapur region.

  
  


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  These local rulers likely paid tribute to whichever major power (Chalukyas, Kalachuris, or early Rashtrakutas) was dominant at the time.

  
  

? 3. Religious and Cultural Landscape

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  Shaivism and Vaishnavism were widely practiced.

  
  


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  The Mahalakshmi Temple site in Kolhapur may already have had a shrine, possibly worshipped as a Shakti or local goddess form—though the temple in its current form was built centuries later (9th–12th century).

  
  


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  The 7th century was a vibrant period for temple architecture, with early stone temples being built in the Deccan.

  
  

? 4. Language and Inscriptions

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  Sanskrit was the primary language for inscriptions, with early use of Kannada and Prakrit in informal settings.

  
  


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  While no major 7th-century inscriptions have been found directly in Kolhapur, neighboring districts (like Satara and Belgaum) have yielded evidence of land grants and temple patronage from this period.

  
  

? 5. Trade and Agriculture

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  Kolhapur’s fertile river valley (Panchganga basin) supported rice, sugarcane, and millet farming.

  
  


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  The region was part of inland trade routes that linked it to ports on the Konkan coast, facilitating the movement of goods such as textiles, metal tools, and spices.

  
  

? Summary: Kolhapur in the 7th Century CE