7th century

The 7th century was a turning point in Kolhapur’s (in present-day Maharashtra, India) early medieval history. This period saw the firm establishment of Chalukya rule and the growth of religious and cultural infrastructure in the region. Kolhapur began evolving into a prominent sacred and administrative center under Chalukyan influence, setting the stage for the rise of the Shilahara dynasty in later centuries.

1. Political Situation

• Kolhapur came firmly under the control of the Chalukyas of Badami, especially during the reigns of:




• Pulakeshin II (r. c. 610–642 CE), a powerful emperor who expanded Chalukya territory across the Deccan.


• Vikramaditya I (r. c. 655–680 CE), who restored Chalukya power after a brief Pallava setback.




• The region may have been administered by local governors or feudatories appointed by the Chalukyas.


• The Pallava-Chalukya conflicts indirectly affected Kolhapur, as Pulakeshin II focused on southern campaigns.

2. Trade and Economy

• Inland trade expanded, with Kolhapur serving as a link between the interior Deccan and the Konkan coast.


• The rise of temple towns helped anchor local economies through donations, festivals, and artisan patronage.


• Agriculture remained strong, supported by river systems like the Panchganga, while forest resources were also utilized.

3. Urban and Agriculture

• Growth of small urban centers near temples and administrative offices.


• Emergence of early stone temples or permanent religious structures in the region.


• Agricultural practices became more organized, with some land owned or donated to temples (via land grants).

4. Language and Inscriptions

• Sanskrit was the formal language of inscriptions, though Kannada and Marathi Prakrits were spoken locally.


• The early Kannada script began to be used alongside Brahmi-derived Devanagari.


• Though no major inscriptions from Kolhapur itself are recorded from the 7th century, Chalukyan inscriptions from nearby areas show:




• Royal land grants


• Temple endowments


• Records of battles or alliances

5. Religion and Culture

• Strong promotion of Shaivism, supported by the Chalukya court.


• Vaishnavism and early Shaktism also flourished; worship of Mahalakshmi likely increased during this time.


• Temples began featuring stone sculpture and simple architecture, influenced by Chalukyan styles.


• Development of education and ritual centers, with Brahmins playing key roles in scriptural learning and astrology.