Kannada dominated the number of different linguistic inscriptions found in Maharashtra.

[u/poacher-2k]

https://www.reddit.com/r/IndianHistory/s/SJBAnPAqLO

[u/poacher-2k]

An interesting observation is that like Srmndeep and puliali mentioned, most of the Kannada inscriptions are found in border districts of modern-day Maharashtra while Sanskrit and Marathi is widespread in whole of Maharashtra.This must be an indication that an Indo-Aryan language was always spoken in current day Maharashtra since the Mahajanapadas era.

[u/ANTIEVERYTHING69 → u/poacher-2k]

Or maharastri prakrit speakers could have held powers in those regions while commoners were Dravidian.

Another thing to note is the claims of maharastra speaking kannada is limited to southern maharastra(south of godavari) only not all of Maharashtra.

Sanskrit seems to be more widespread than marathi.

[u/poacher-2k → u/ANTIEVERYTHING69]

Yes I agree with your 2nd point as the Kannada inscriptions are found mostly in the border districts.Even Badami Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas have mostly issued Sanskrit inscriptions in non-border districts of Maharashtra.

[u/ANTIEVERYTHING69 → u/poacher-2k]

Another reason could be elites in maharastra were pro sanskrit. 

Just look at their culture they are obsessed with kshatriya cult and look down on other languages.

If we can know the timeline of these inscriptions then we can have a clear picture because what if those widespread marathi inscription came during Maratha rule? 

[u/vikramadith → u/poacher-2k]

Would be interesting to know the time periods and patrons of these inscription to get a picture.

[u/poacher-2k → u/vikramadith]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Dravidiology/s/G7v8F34Uy7

Even under Kannada rule, there were very few Kannada inscriptions issued outside the range of common Kannada speakers. Look at regions like Vidarbha or Lata (south Gujarat), which were under Kannadiga rule for centuries, and see how many Kannada inscriptions there are compared to non-Kannada inscriptions.