8th century

During the 8th century CE, Kolhapur entered a new phase of regional prominence, closely linked with the rise of early Rashtrakuta rule and the strengthening of Shaivism and Shaktism (Goddess worship) in the region.

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?️ Kolhapur in the 8th Century CE

1. ? Rule of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty

The Rashtrakutas, a powerful dynasty of the Deccan, rose to power around 735 CE under Dantidurga, who established his authority in the region.

Kolhapur became part of the Rashtrakuta Empire, which extended across much of central and southern India.

The capital of the Rashtrakutas was Manyakheta (in present-day Karnataka), but Kolhapur served as a strategic regional center.

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2. ? Religious Growth – Mahalakshmi Worship

This period likely saw the rise or renovation of the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, dedicated to the Goddess Ambabai (Mahalakshmi).

The Shakta tradition (goddess worship) grew in strength, and Kolhapur began its transformation into a major Shakti Peetha (sacred site).

Shaivism (worship of Shiva) was also dominant under Rashtrakuta patronage.

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3. ? Art, Architecture & Culture

The 8th century witnessed early temple architecture development in stone.

Kolhapur likely saw:

Small stone temples

Carvings and sculptures

Religious art linked to Hindu deities

> Example: Temples like those in Pattadakal (Karnataka) influenced temple design across the Deccan.

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4. ? Language and Literature

Kannada and Sanskrit were official court languages of the Rashtrakutas.

Early Marathi began to emerge among the local population in spoken form.

Inscriptions from the Rashtrakuta period used Kannada and Sanskrit, some possibly in the Kolhapur region.

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5. ? Society and Economy

Kolhapur was agriculturally rich (due to rivers like Panchganga).

Common economic activities included:

Farming (rice, wheat, sugarcane)

Metal crafts and stone masonry

Trade through inland routes connecting to coastal ports

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? Summary Table: Kolhapur in the 8th Century

Aspect Details

Dynasty Rashtrakuta Empire under Dantidurga and successors

Religion Rise of Mahalakshmi worship, Shaktism, and Shaivism

Temples Early development of Mahalakshmi temple; stone temple architecture

Language Sanskrit, Kannada (official); early Marathi spoken

Economy Agriculture, crafts, regional trade

Cultural Identity Emergence of Kolhapur as a religious and cultural site