11th century

The 11th century marked the political and cultural zenith of the Shilahara dynasty in Kolhapur (in present-day Maharashtra, India). This era witnessed the consolidation of power, temple building on a grander scale, and the deepening of Kolhapur’s identity as a sacred center for goddess worship. It was also a period of inter-dynastic rivalry as the Shilaharas navigated the growing influence of the Chalukyas of Kalyani and the Yadavas.

1. Political Situation

• The Shilaharas of Kolhapur were the dominant regional rulers throughout this century.




• Key rulers included Guhalla III, Bhoja II, and Gonka I.




• Though nominally vals of the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the Shilaharas exercised autonomy in administration and warfare.


• There were conflicts and shifting alliances with the Chalukyas and emerging Yadava power to the north.


• Kolhapur functioned as a capital or royal seat, with inscriptions indicating courtly and temple-centered activities.

2. Trade and Economy

• Kolhapur’s economy thrived on:




• Agriculture: grains, pulses, sugarcane, cotton.


• Trade: connections to the Konkan coast, Goa, and the Deccan plateau.


• Temple patronage: large-scale land grants and resource redistribution.




• Merchants and guilds began playing a more visible role, especially around temple economies.


• Roads, tanks, and possibly marketplaces (mandis or haats) developed around religious sites.

3. Urban and Agriculture

• Kolhapur evolved further into a temple city, with stone temples serving as administrative, economic, and religious hubs.


• Agricultural expansion continued due to irrigation, clearing of forest land, and new settlements created through land grants.


• Townships likely developed around:




• The Mahalakshmi temple complex,


• Royal residences or court centers,


• Markets and religious rest houses.

4. Language and Inscriptions

• Sanskrit remained dominant in official and religious inscriptions.


• Early forms of Old Marathi appeared in oral use and on rare inscriptions.


• The Kannada script and early Devanagari were both used in epigraphy.


• Inscriptions from this period include:




• Copperplate grants to Brahmins and temples,


• Descriptions of temple construction and deity endowments,


• Mentions of royal achievements and military victories.

5. Religion and Culture

• Shaivism and Shaktism continued to thrive:




• Worship of Mahalakshmi was central to Kolhapur’s religious identity.


• Shiva temples (e.g., Kopeshwar Temple in Khidrapur nearby) gained attention.




• Religious art and sculpture flourished, with carvings of:




• Mythological narratives,


• Goddess iconography,


• Royal patrons and donors.




• Ritual life was active, with festivals, pilgrimages, and daily worship systems evolving around temple institutions.


• The Hemadpanti style of architecture began to take root toward the end of the century.