14th century

In the 14th century CE, Kolhapur experienced a major political transformation due to the collapse of regional dynasties and the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into the Deccan. The century was marked by political upheaval, military invasions, and cultural continuity, especially around religious institutions like the Mahalakshmi Temple.

✅ Key Things That Happened in Kolhapur During the 14th Century:

? 1. End of Yadava Rule

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  The Yadava dynasty of Devagiri collapsed after the Delhi Sultanate, under Alauddin Khilji, invaded in 1294 CE.

  
  


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  By the early 1300s, Kolhapur, like the rest of Maharashtra, came under the influence of the Khilji and then Tughlaq rulers.

  
  


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  Ramachandra of Devagiri, the last major Yadava ruler, became a val of the Delhi Sultanate before his kingdom was fully annexed.

  
  

⚔️ 2. Delhi Sultanate Rule (Early–Mid 14th Century)

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  Kolhapur was absorbed into the Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khilji and later Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

  
  


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  The Tughlaqs tried to administer the Deccan from Delhi and later from Daulatabad (Devagiri).

  
  


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  These invasions caused economic hardship, disruption of local rule, and occasional destruction or taxation of religious institutions.

  
  

? 3. Rise of Regional Powers (Late 14th Century)

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  As the Delhi Sultanate weakened, local Bahmani governors and Maratha chieftains began erting control.

  
  


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  By 1347, the Bahmani Sultanate was formed in the Deccan, centered at Gulbarga, and Kolhapur fell under its influence.

  
  


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  Bahmanis allowed local religious institutions like Hindu temples to function, though under Islamic rule.

  
  

? 4. Continuity of the Mahalakshmi Temple

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  Despite political changes, the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur continued to function and attract devotees.

  
  


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  Though large-scale royal patronage declined, local communities and smaller rulers likely supported its upkeep.

  
  


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  Kolhapur remained an important pilgrimage center in western India.

  
  

? 5. Socio-Cultural Impact

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  Decline in inscriptions and royal grants in this century due to political instability.

  
  


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  However, Marathi continued to evolve as a regional language in both oral and literary form.

  
  


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  Possible decline in temple construction but religious traditions endured.

  
  

? 6. Economy and Society

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  Trade suffered during invasions but began recovering under Bahmani administration.

  
  


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  Local artisans and farmers were heavily taxed but continued their work.

  
  


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  Kolhapur remained strategically important due to its location between the Konkan coast and Deccan plateau.

  
  

✅ Summary – What Happened in Kolhapur During the 14th Century: