9th century

Here’s a detailed overview of Kolhapur city during the 9th century CE (800–899 AD), based on historical records, inscriptions, and regional developments:

?️ Kolhapur in the 9th Century

?️ 1. Rashtrakuta Dynasty at Its Peak

• The Rashtrakuta Empire continued ruling over Kolhapur during the entire 9th century.


• Notable emperors:




• Govinda III (793–814 CE)


• Amoghavarsha I (814–878 CE), one of the most famous Rashtrakuta kings, known for his diplomacy and patronage of art and religion.


• Krishna II (878–914 CE)






• Kolhapur was part of the Maharashtra Mandala, an important province in the Rashtrakuta empire.

? 2. Administrative and Political Significance

• Kolhapur (ancient Karvir or Kollapura) likely functioned as a regional administrative center.


• It was governed by feudatories (Samantas) who issued copper plate inscriptions, recording land grants to Brahmins and temples.


• The city saw relative political stability, allowing for cultural and religious development.

? 3. Religion and Temples Flourished

• The Goddess Mahalakshmi Temple gained more importance during this period. While the current structure is from the later Chalukya period (12th century), the deity’s worship dates back to much earlier.


• The Rashtrakutas, though primarily Shaivites, patronized various sects: Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.


• Many rock-cut shrines and early temple foundations were likely built in this period.


• Temple donations, especially to Shaiva shrines, are mentioned in inscriptions from nearby regions.

? 4. Art, Literature, and Language

• Amoghavarsha I, the Rashtrakuta ruler, was himself a scholar and authored the famous Kavirajamarga, a landmark Kannada literary work.


• Kolhapur, as part of the Rashtrakuta realm, would have seen influence of Sanskrit, Prakrit, early Marathi, and Kannada literature.


• Stone sculpture and decorative temple architecture began to appear in more developed forms.

? 5. Trade and Economy

• Kolhapur was situated on important inland trade routes between the Deccan plateau and the western coast (Konkan).


• Trade involved:




• Agricultural produce


• Textiles


• Metal crafts


• Temple-related art and idols






• Irrigation and farming systems (supported by rivers like Panchganga) continued to improve.

? 6. Daily Life and Society

• Society was hierarchical, with kings, landlords, priests, artisans, and farmers.


• Temples acted not just as religious centers but also social, educational, and economic hubs.


• Women in elite families sometimes participated in temple donations or religious foundations.