8th century

In the 8th century, Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India) witnessed significant transitions in political control and religious development. After the decline of the Chalukyas of Badami, the region came under the growing influence of the Rashtrakutas, who would dominate much of the Deccan in the coming centuries. Kolhapur began to emerge as a culturally and religiously significant center.

1. Political Situation

• The Chalukyas of Badami lost dominance around the mid-8th century.


• The Rashtrakuta dynasty, founded by Dantidurga (c. 735–756 CE), rose to power and defeated the Chalukyas, establishing control over much of Maharashtra, including Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India).


• Dantidurga and later Rashtrakuta rulers like Krishna I (builder of the Kailasa temple at Ellora) likely appointed local governors in the Kolhapur region.


• Kolhapur was probably ruled by feudatories or Mahasamantas (val lords) under Rashtrakuta overlordship.

2. Trade and Economy

• The Rashtrakuta period saw a flourishing of trade, both inland and via the western coastal ports of Konkan.


• Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India), with its fertile plains and strategic location, was a hub for agriculture, metalwork, and textiles.


• The temple economy grew stronger — temples received land grants and became centers of both ritual and economic activity.

3. Urban and Agriculture

• Early urbanization continued with temple-centric settlements and small administrative towns.


• Irrigation systems may have been improved, and agrarian communities expanded across the Panchganga valley.


• Development of religious complexes encouraged artisan migration and urban growth.

4. Language and Inscriptions

• Sanskrit remained the language of formal inscriptions and grants.


• Early forms of Kannada and Marathi Prakrits were spoken locally, with inscriptions in Kannada script beginning to appear in southern Maharashtra.


• Copperplate grants and stone inscriptions (mostly from nearby regions) record donations to temples and Brahmins by Rashtrakuta kings and feudatories.

5. Religion and Culture

• Shaivism was dominant, supported by both royal and local patrons.


• Shakti worship, especially of the goddess Mahalakshmi, gained prominence — Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India) likely saw early developments at the site of the Mahalakshmi temple.


• The Rashtrakutas were patrons of architecture and sculpture, and early stone temples may have been built or expanded in this region.


• Brahmanical learning centers emerged, focused on Vedic education and ritual sciences.