13th century

During the 13th century CE, Kolhapur experienced major political changes and became more integrated into the rising Yadava dynasty of Devagiri. This century marks a transition from local dynasties (like the Shilaharas) to larger regional powers, and the beginning of early Islamic invasions in the Deccan. Below is a summary of what happened in Kolhapur during the 13th century:

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✅ Key Events in Kolhapur During the 13th Century

?️ 1. End of Shilahara Rule

The Shilaharas of Kolhapur officially came to an end in the early 13th century, around 1210 CE.

Their last ruler, Bhoja II, was defeated by King Singhana II of the Yadava dynasty.

The defeat marked the absorption of Kolhapur into the Yadava kingdom, ruled from Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad).

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? 2. Yadava Dynasty Rule over Kolhapur

Under Yadava kings like:

Singhana II (r. c. 1200–1247)

Krishna (Kṛṣṇa) and Mahadeva (mid-13th century)

Ramachandra (r. c. 1271–1309)

Kolhapur became a significant administrative and military center.

The Yadavas promoted agriculture, trade, and temple-building in their territories, including Kolhapur.

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⚔️ 3. Military Conflicts and Invasions

In the late 13th century, the Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khalji began its southern expansion.

1296 CE: Alauddin Khalji invaded the Deccan and defeated the Yadavas at Devagiri.

Though Kolhapur was not the direct target, it was affected by:

Political instability

Heavy taxation

Loss of autonomy under northern Islamic rule

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? 4. Temples and Religious Activity

The Mahalakshmi Temple continued to be an important spiritual and cultural center.

Inscriptions from this period mention repairs, endowments, and daily worship practices funded by:

Local merchants

Devotees

Yadava officials

Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism were popular.

Jain temples and mathas (monastic institutions) still existed, though less dominant than before.

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? 5. Inscriptions and Administration

Stone and copper-plate inscriptions from the 13th century describe:

Land grants to temples and Brahmins

Names of local officers appointed by Yadava kings

Revenue collection systems

Kolhapur had a structured local administration under Yadava governance.

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? 6. Economic and Urban Life

Kolhapur remained an important market and craft center:

Blacksmiths, weavers, potters, and sculptors were active.

Trade of grains, cloth, metal goods, and religious items occurred.

Kolhapur’s location near the Western Ghats allowed access to inland and coastal trade routes.

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