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The Rashtrakuta Empire was founded by Dantidurga around 753 AD. They were the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Badami. Dantidurga defeated the famous Chalukyan king Kirtivarman II to establish the new kingdom. The Rashtrakutan Empire ruled for over 200 years and it was not only the most powerful kingdom of the 8th century but also acted as a bridge between north and south India relating to the economic and cultural aspects. The Rashtrakutas have contributed significantly to the art and architecture of early medieval India. This kingdom is known to have an elaborate administration and brave warriors.
The Rashtrakuta Empire was founded by Dantidurga around 753 AD. They were the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Badami. Dantidurga defeated the famous Chalukyan king Kirtivarman II to establish the new kingdom. The Rashtrakutan Empire ruled for over 200 years and it was not only the most powerful kingdom of the 8th century but also acted as a bridge between north and south India relating to the economic and cultural aspects.
The Rashtrakutas ruled over a vast territory that included parts of present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Their empire at its peak extended from the Narmada River in the north to the Kaveri River in the south.
Amoghavarsha I (reigned c. 814–878 CE) is the author of Kavirajamarga, the earliest known Kannada literary work.
Cave temple architecture such as Kailasha temple at Ellora caves, Elephanta caves and Navlinga temple are the prominent architecture works of Rashtrakutas times.
Around the 8th Century and after Harshavardhan’s death in 647 AD, there was a political vaccum in the Northern part of the Indian Subcontinent. The Palas and Gurjara-Pratiharas emerged in the mid-eighth century in the Eastern and Western region. During the same time period, the Rashtrakutas rose to power in the Deccan region and ruled in Manyakheta (modern day Karnataka).
Rashtrakutas come from two words, ‘Rashtra’, sanskrit word meaning country and ‘kuta’ meaning chieftain. The Rashtrakutas ruled between 6th and 10th Centuries. The region for their rule was very vast which included the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana and Maharashtra. Their use of Kannada made it as important a language as Sanskrit, which became popular during the Gupta Period.
DANTIDURGA: Founder of the Rashtrakuta empire.
KRISHNARAJA 1: He was a popular King who ruled after death of Dantidurga
DHRUVA (780 AD to 793 AD). He defeated Vatsaraja the Pratihara king and Dharmapala of the Pala Kingdom towards East India.
GOVINDA III (793 AD to 814 AD) The main titles used to describe him were Jaggattunga (world renowned), Janavallabha (People's Favourite), Tribhuvanadhavala (the three realms are pure). He expanded the kingdom and crushed the Ganga rulers of Odisha, Cheras, Pandyas, and the Pallavas of the south.
AMOGHAVARSHA (814 AD till 878 AD): His real name was Maharaja Sarva. He was considered as one of the greatest kings of India.
INDRA III: He was the grandson of Amoghavarsha.
KRISHNA III: Amongst the greatest rulers of the Rashtrakuta kings, Krishna III was the last.
In the Rashtrakuta army, there is evidence of large groups of infantry, elephants and horsemen. A standing army was always ready for war in the cantonment area (Sthirabhuta Kataka) in the capital Manyakheta.
The architecture of the Rashtrakutas shows their luxury and grandeur.
The Rashtrakuta Empire of the eight to tenth century was a very vast empire started by Dantidurga. It is one of the most important dynasties of Indian history boasting of some great rulers who were militarily advanced as well as patronised art and cultural innovation. They defeated the Chalukyas of Badami and were succeeded by the Western Chalukyas. They were successful in conquering South India and also advanced towards the Northern parts of India. After decline, the Rashtrakutas gave way to feudatories to rule independently.
At the height of their powers, an Arabic text, Silsilat al-Tawarikh (851), called the Rashtrakutas one of the principal empires of the world. Even though the kingdom declined, its influence still remained. The system of administration was followed by later kingdoms of Cholas, Pallavas and many more. Their architectural remains are still memorable as the Kailashnath temple is the largest monolithic structure till date. Tourism flourishes at their architectural marvels.
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