9th century

In the 9th century CE, Kolhapur was an important regional center in the Deccan, experiencing continued growth under the Rashtrakuta dynasty, which had reached the height of its power during this time. Here's what likely happened in and around Kolhapur during the 9th century:

? 1. Rashtrakuta Dominance

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  Kolhapur was under the control of the Rashtrakutas, one of the most powerful empires in the Indian subcontinent at the time.

  
  


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  Kings like Govinda III (r. c. 793–814 CE) and Amoghavarsha I (r. c. 814–878 CE) ruled a vast empire with Kolhapur as an important provincial hub.

  
  


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  Local administration was likely managed by feudatory rulers (Mahamandaleshwaras) or governors under the Rashtrakutas.

  
  

? 2. Inscriptions and Grants

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  Several copper plate inscriptions from the Rashtrakuta period mention land grants to Brahmins and temples in the region around Kolhapur.

  
  


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  These documents often include details about local geography, temple endowments, and administrative divisions.

  
  


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  Though no 9th-century inscriptions are known from Kolhapur directly, neighboring regions like Miraj and Satara have yielded several.

  
  

? 3. Religious Expansion and Temple Development

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  Kolhapur continued to grow as a Shaiva and Shakta religious center.

  
  


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  The worship of Mahalakshmi intensified; it is likely that a significant stone temple structure began to replace earlier wooden or smaller shrines.

  
  


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  Rashtrakutas were also patrons of Jainism and Vaishnavism, so these faiths may have had influence locally.

  
  

?️ 4. Urbanization and Economy

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  Kolhapur grew as a township with a temple-centric economy, surrounded by agrarian villages and connected to trade routes.

  
  


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  Artisans, traders, and priests lived in settlements near temples, with Brahmapuri being a key habitation site (archaeologically proven).

  
  


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  Kolhapur was part of a network of trade and pilgrimage routes linking the Deccan to the western coast (Konkan) and to Karnataka.

  
  

? 5. Archaeological Continuity

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  Excavations in Brahmapuri (Kolhapur city) show continued use of homes, pottery, tools, and ornaments from this period.

  
  


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  Brick structures, beads, and terracotta figures suggest an urban cultural life with strong craft traditions.