Solapur History | Historic places in Solapur | History of Solapur District

SOLAPUR - AT A GLANCE on the basis of archaeological sources. Introduction The most important feature of Indian Culture is its unity in diversity. There is a rich variety of spoken language, many religions and different sects. Each having its own distinctive features, yet all of them are woven together by a common cultural standard since the centuries by- gone. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, in particular, constitute a natural region, being situated on the Deccan plateau. The cultural integrity of these there regions is very much evident in Solapur District which is the meeting point of these there linguistic groups. There are five prominently spoken languages, mainly five religions, along with number of sects in Solapur District. So it can aptly be described as "Deccan in miniature".

Geography of Solapur Solapur District comprises of eleven talukas and the headquarters of the district is Solapur City. This district is situated on the border of Karnataka State. As we move from south to the north along the border of Solapur District, we come across Bijapur district to its south, Gulbarga to South - east, Sangali to South - West, Pune district to North-west, Ahmednagar district to its north and Osmanabad district to its north-east. The district roughly resembles a trapezeum though of an irregular shape. It streatches 150 kms. from north to south and 200 kms from east to west.

Salient Features Solapur is situated on the south-east side of the Deccan trap. There is absence of hilly area. Most of the part is rather uneven plateau and five rivers flow through the district. Solapur was never elevated to the position of a capital or metropolitan city because of its fluctuating climatic conditions. Most of the area is known for the casual draughts barring the river basins. The land is also known for its low fertility. The low fertility and the draught condition is reflected in the material culture of the district. Speedy industrialization could not take place because of inadequate water supply, non-availability of minerals and lack of an economically strategic situation.

Historical Sketches As archaeological excavations have not been undertaken anywhere in Solapur District so far, we have no definite knowledge of its prehistoric and protohistoric period. We are not sure about the early history and culture of the district. Solapur has never shone out as a metropolitan city or a capital of any dynasty because of its unsuitable geographical conditions. Due to dry weather, lack of minerals, scarcity of water, absence of defensive mountain ranges very few dynasties were lured to conquer and rule over Solapur District.  Prehistoric period Very few evidences about the prehistoric period of Solapur District are found so far. Pandharpur dominates on the scene. The Bhima valley was inhabited by early stone age man. Stone tools of this period have been discovered by Prof. Sankalia. These might date back to 10000 years or so. Few microlithic blades were also discovered. Then the chalcolithic period dated around 1200 B.C.

Historical Period Solapur figures in the history from 1st Cen. A.D. Solapur and its surrounding region was called 'Kuntala desa' till medieval times. According to Dr.V.V.Mirashi, Kuntala desa included what is now known as southern Maratha country, i.e. surrounding krishna valley, the region of Kolhapur, Solapur, Satara, Sangali might be included. Very few evidences are available of the rule of the dynasties over Solapur district upto 10th century. The dynasties of ancient period such as Satavahanas, Vakatakas, early Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta were might ruled over Solapur district. But we get concrete evidences about the region of the dynasties such as Chalukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuries of Mangalvedha, Yadavas of Devgiri, Hoyasalas of Halebidu, Shilaharas of Akkalkot over Solapur district. We get these evidences only through archaeological sources such as inscriptions, temple architecture and sculptures.

Solapur Under Islamic rule The Islamic rule started over the Deccan during 13th -14th century. The landfort of Solapur seems to be built during Bahamani period (Late 14th Century). At that time Solapur formed a part of Gulbarga, one of its province. During the course of time, Bahamani Kingdom split into five parts of which Nizamshahi of Ahmednagar and Adilshahi of Bijapur were related to Solapur. We are getting references of fighting of these dynasties for this fort. Solapur is situated equidistant from Ahmednagar and Bijapur. Both these kingdoms were in need of Solapur as a central place from which they could overview their kingdoms. Thus Solapur become strategically important centre. Geographically, Solapur was a suitable place to have a range of vision of these two kingdoms. It was a bone of contension between these two rival powers. In the meantime, their rivalry gave place to matrimonial bonds and the fort was transfered from one kingdom to another in the form of dowry into marriage. Nevertheless, the war continued between these two powers for the next five decades. After that this fort was successively in possession of the Mughals and the Marathas. Aurangzeb stayed in this district for 5 to 6 years. Finally, in 1818, the fort came under the Supremacy of the British.

 Solapur District Art and Architecture The art and architecture of the district in medieval period is also noteworthy. The architecture can be classified as (1) Religious architecture, (2) Secular architecture. Secular architecture further can be classified as Civil and Military architecture. Among them, at present, we can hardly say anything about the civil architecture of medieval period. While military architecture contains forts, fortification walls and gadhis. Religious architecture contains temple architecture, sculptures, images or icons, wells and tanks, herostones and satistones. The period of construction of medieval temples ranges roughly from 11th cen. to 14th cen. The architecture of these temples can broadly be classified as Chalukyan and Hemadpanti or Bhumija style. The Chalukyan temples show following characteristics (1) Side entrances, (2) Fully decorated dwarasakhas, (3) Presentation of Saptamatrikapatta, (4) Navarangaomandapa (5) Eves like cave temples (6) Pilasters instead of pillars. The following are the Chalukyan temples (SEE Photos on next page) 1) Sangameshvara temple, Kudal 2) Revansiddhesvara temple, Kudal 3) Mahadeva temple, Koravali 4) Kapilasiddha Mallikarjuna temple, Solapur. 5) Mahadeva temple, Kasegaon. 6) Mallikarjuna temple, Nagansur. 7) Siddhesvara temple, Mangalvedha. 8) Banesvara temple, Mohol. 9) Mallikarjuna temple, Chapalgaon. 10) Mahadeva temple, Dahitne. 11) Kasivisvesvara temple, Mangalwedha. 12) Mahadeva temple, Shej-babhulgaon. The Hemadpanti or Bhumija style temples found in the district have the same plan as Chalukyan temples but plain interior and exterior. These temples are in dilapidated condition. All temples except one, have lost their sikharas. The sikhara over this temple probably suggests the earlier stage in the development of the type of sikhara in Maharashtra.

The sculptures of gods and goddesses, human beings, animal figures, mythological figures as well as decoration of geometric designs are found carved on the various components of the structural temples of the district. These are also found in loose forms scattered all over the district. The sculptures can be classified as (1) Shiva, (2) Vishnu, (3) Devi, (4) Ganapati (5) Surya, (6) Brahma. The various sculpture of gods and goddesses and also other categories are found here in the district. Religion The region of Solapur District has developed in the basin of the four rivers viz. Bhima, Sina, Nira and Man. It is equally true about its religious movements which developed and took deep roof along the banks of these rivers and their vicinity. It is quite obvious that the temples dedicated to various deities are situated either on the bank of these rivers or in the surrounding region of these rivers. The famous temple of Vitthal of Pandharpur is on the bank of the river Bhima. The river Man divides the district on the lines of sects - the upper region is dominated by Varakari sect while the lower region is influenced by Veerasaiva sect. Thus the talukas of Pandharpur, Madha, Karmala, Barsi, Mohol bear the influence of Varakari sect while the talukas of Mangalwedha, South Solapur, North Solapur and Akkalkot have the influence of Veerasaiva sect. In addition to these, Madhva sect was effective in Mangalwedha. Nagesa and Datta sects are noticed in Mohol and Akkalkot respectively. South Solapur and Malsiras are known for their Jain influence. A large number of temples, sculptures and inscriptions associated with Saiva and Vaisnava sects of medieval period denote the prominence of Saivism and Vaisnavism in the district. In addition to these sects, other sects like Mother Goddess, Ganaptya and Saura also show their presence through the sculptures scattered over the district.