2nd century

During the 2nd century CE, Kolhapur was part of the powerful Satavahana Empire, which controlled much of the Deccan region. This period saw continued political stability, cultural development, and active trade.

1. Satavahana Rule

The Satavahana rule in Kolhapur was marked by the reigns of powerful kings, especially:

• Gautamiputra Satakarni (ruled ~78–102 CE)




• Strengthened Satavahana control over western Maharashtra, including Kolhapur.


• Defeated the Western Kshatrapas and expanded territorial dominance.


• A staunch patron of Brahmanical religion, but tolerant of Buddhism.




• Vasisthiputra Pulumavi (ruled ~103–130 CE)




• Son of Gautamiputra Satakarni.


• Promoted Indo-Roman trade, leading to economic prosperity in the region.


• Continued support for both Buddhism and Hinduism, maintaining religious harmony.




• (Later rulers like Sri Yajna Satakarni may have ruled toward the end of the 2nd century, but their direct influence in Kolhapur is less evident compared to the two rulers above.)


• Local governance likely handled by feudatory chiefs or officials loyal to the Satavahanas.

2. Religious Developments

• Buddhism flourished — nearby regions like Karla and Nasik show monastery and cave activity.


• Shaivism and Vaishnavism also grew, especially under Gautamiputra and Pulumavi.


• Religious donations from rulers and elites helped maintain stupas, viharas, and early temples.

3. Trade and Economy

• Kolhapur sat on trade routes linking inland Deccan to coastal ports like Sopara.


• Roman coins found in western Maharashtra prove strong Indo-Roman trade.


• Local products: textiles, pottery, beads, iron tools.


• Growth of urban markets and craft centers around settlements like Brahmapuri.

4. Settlement and Agriculture

• Continued development of agricultural villages and towns.


• Cultivation of rice, pulses, and millets; use of bullocks and irrigation methods.


• Evidence of organized layouts in settlements like Brahmapuri.

5. Language and Inscriptions

• Language: Prakrit.


• Script: Brahmi.


• Inscriptions mostly record land grants, religious donations, and royal titles.


• Inscriptions from Pulumavi’s reign have been found in western Deccan regions.