3rd century

The 3rd century was a transitional and fragmented period for Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India). With the decline of the Satavahana Empire, the region saw political instability, changing hands between local chiefs and emerging powers.

1. Satavahana Decline & Political Transitions

• The Satavahana Empire, which had controlled Kolhapur in the 1st and 2nd centuries, collapsed in the early 3rd century due to internal conflicts and weakened central authority.


• This led to fragmentation of power in western Maharashtra, including Kolhapur.


• Brief control by Andhra (Ikshvaku or Shalankayana) rulers such as Madhavavarman may have occurred, though not firmly established.


• Toward the end of the 3rd century, Chalukyas of Badami (later known as Early Western Chalukyas) began to rise, but their direct control over Kolhapur was likely established only in the 4th century.

2. Local Rule and Instability

• The region experienced intermittent rule by local chiefs or minor kings, as large empires collapsed or reorganized.


• Kolhapur's strategic location led to shifts in local authority, with no major centralized empire dominating it throughout the century.

3. Religious Activity

• Shaivism and Vaishnavism began to dominate as state-supported religions, especially as the Satavahana patronage of Buddhism waned.


• Buddhism declined, and many monasteries lost royal support.


• Religious monuments and temples dedicated to Hindu deities began increasing in this period.

4. Trade and Economy

• Inland trade routes weakened due to political instability.


• Indo-Roman trade, once vibrant in the 2nd century, had sharply declined.


• Despite this, local trade (pottery, metal goods, terracotta, beads) likely continued at a reduced scale.


• Kolhapur’s urban craft centers (like Brahmapuri) remained active but were less prosperous than earlier.

5. Urban & Agricultural Continuity

• Brahmapuri, a major archaeological site in Kolhapur, shows evidence of continued urban habitation, pottery use, and iron tools during this time.


• Agricultural practices persisted, supported by monsoon-based farming and possibly small-scale irrigation.


• Despite regional turbulence, daily life and settlement patterns continued with resilience.