Table of Contents
Introduction: Rashtrakuta Empire
The Rashtrakuta Empire was built by a dynasty that ruled large parts of the southern and central parts of India between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
They initially were feudatories of the Chalukyas.
They conducted successful military campaigns against their rivals, including the Palas of Bengal, the Pratiharas of Malwa, the Cholas of Tamil Nadu, and the Chalukyas of Vatapi.
The dynasty was a patron of arts and architecture. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most remarkable architectural marvels built by the Rashtrakutas.
By the end of the 10th century, the Rashtrakuta Empire began to decline due to internal strife, invasions by the Cholas, and the emergence of new powers in the region. The dynasty gradually lost its territories by the 12th century.
Key Points: Rashtrakuta Empire
- Rashtrakuta empire (753-982 CE) ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries.
- From some inscriptions of the Chalukya kings, it is known that the Rashtrakutas were feudal lords under the Chalukyas.
- At their peak Rashtrakutas empire stretched from the Ganga-Yamuna doab region in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
- The Rashtrakuta kings maintained good relations with the Arabs of Sindh and encouraged the people to trade with the Arabs.
- Arab travelers and historians have described the Rashtrakuta kings as bearing the title of ‘Balhara‘.
Notable Kings of the Rashtrakuta Empire
Dantidurga (735–756 CE)
- Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire.
- His made Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) his capital.
- He defeated the Chalukyas in 753 CE and took the titles of Rajadhiraja and Parameshvara.
- The Samangad inscription (modern Kolhapur district, Maharashtra) belongs to him.
Krishna I (756–774 CE)
- He defeated the last Badami Chalukya ruler Kirtivarman II in 757 AD.
- He patronized the famous Jain logician Akalanka Bhatta (Master of Jain logic).
- The Kailasa temple was built by Krishna I with some elements completed later.
Govinda II
- Paithan copper plate inscription mentioned Govinda II.
Amoghavarsha (815–877 CE)
- Amoghavarsha I was the greatest emperor of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
- Longest Reign in Indian Monarchical History: Amoghavarsha I’s reign lasted for 62 years, making it one of the longest precisely dated reigns of any king.
- Early Ascension and Guardianship: He was a minor when he ascended the throne. His guardian was Karka from Gujarat branch of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
- Patron of Mathematics: He patronized the great mathematician Mahaviracharya who wrote “Ganita-sara-samgraha”. It was translated into Telugu by Pavuluri Mallana (early 12th-century mathematician) as “Saara Sangraha Ganitamu”.
- Conversion to Jainism: According to Jain texts, Amoghavarsha was converted to Jainism by a Jain monk named ‘Jinsena‘. Jinasena was the author of “Adipurana” and “Mahapurana“.
- Literary Contributions: He wrote (or co-authored) the Kavirajamarga (a work on rhetoric, poetics and grammar in the Kannada language).
- Shift of Capital: He moved his capital from Mayurkhandi in the Bidar district to Manyakheta (Malkhed) in the Kalaburagi district in Karnataka.
- Trade and Economic Prosperity: During his reign, Bhrigukachh (Bharuch) became the largest port of the Rashtrakuta kingdom. The cotton yarn and cloth was exported from here.
- Architectural Achievements: Jaina Narayana temple at Pattadakal was built during his reign.
- International Recognition: Many Arab traders came to the Rashtrakuta kingdom. Suleiman’s name is notable among them. According to Suleiman, Amoghavarsha was considered one of the four greatest emperors in the world; The other three were the Caliph of Baghdad, the Emperor of China, and the Emperor of Constantinople.
It was built during the 9th century
Krishna III (939 – 967 C.E.)
- Krishna III patronized the famous Kannada poets Sri Ponna, who wrote Shanti Purana, Gajankusha.
- According to the Atakur inscription (found near Mandya city in Karnataka), Krishna III, with the help of Western Ganga king Butuga II defeated the Cholas decisively in the battle of Takkolam in modern day Arcot (949 AD). He occupied a part of the Chola kingdom (Tondaimandalam).
Later Kings
- After Krishna III the Rashtrakuta empire started to decline due to the weakness of successors.
- During the reign of his brother Khottiga, the Parmara king Siyaka II plundered the capital Manyakheta.
- The last ruler of this dynasty, Amoghavarsha IV, was defeated by the Western Chalukya king Tailapa in 973 AD.
Branches of Rashtrakuta dynasty
| Branch | Capital |
|---|---|
| Rashtrakutas of Gujarat | |
| Ratta Dynasty | Saundatti (Belagavi, Karnataka) |
| Rashtrakutas of Rajputana | Hastikundi or Hathundi |
| Rashtrakutas of Kanauj |
Tripartite Struggle
- The struggle between the Gurjar-Pratihara, the Pala kings of eastern India and the Rashtrakutas of southern India for sovereignty in northern India (Kanauj) began during the reign of Vatsaraja.
- The Tripartite Struggle between these three major dynasties lasted for nearly a century.
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Administration of the Rashtrakutas