Page 14 - SST Class 07
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THE RASHTRAKUTAS (750 TO 973 AD) Krishna-III was the last greatest ruler of the
The Rashtrakutas empire was founded by Rashtrakutas. He succumbed to the attacks by
Dantidurga. The empire extended from south the Chalukyas of Kalyani.
Gujarat, Malwa and Baghelkhand in north to STRUGGLE FOR KANAUJ
Tanjore in the south. He was succeeded by his Kannauj located in the central Gangetic valley
son Krishna-I. Besides being a warrior, he was a was a very important centre for trade and com-
patron of art and architecture. The rock cut merce. Hence, obviously all the dominant
temples at Ellora is such a piece of marvelous art dynasties of the time fought for power and
that alone speaks of his patronage. Krishna-I was control over this area. The dominant dynasties of
succeeded by Govinda-II also called Prabhuta this time were Gurjara Pratiharas, Palas and
Varsa who was an established warrior swooned Rashtrakutas. Historians often describe this fight
to pleasure seeking after he ascended the throne. between the three dominant dynasties of 8th
His younger brother Dhruva Nirupama who century as the tripartite struggle.
administered the territories for Govinda-II even- Palas ruled the eastern parts of India and
tually overthrew him in 779 AD. Dhurva Pratiharas dominated western India and
increased the prestige of the Rashtrakutas. He Rashtrakutas controlled Deccan regions of India.
crossed the Vindhyas and threatened the Gujarat The tripartite struggle ultimately ended in favor
Vatsaraja of Malwa driving him to the desert. He of Nagabhata-II, Gurjara Pratihara ruler.
defeated Dharampala of Bengal in the Ganga.
Causes of Tripartite Struggle
Doab, Jamuna region. The Pallava ruler
Kannauj was the erstwhile capital of Harshavar-
Dhantivarman was defeated by him and both the
dhana empire in north India. The following were
Pallavas and Gangas accepted his over lordship.
the causes which provoked tripartite struggle.
He is also said to have defeated the Pratiharas
and Palas. Of his four sons, Dhurva nominated g Kannauj was the symbol of prestige and
Govinda-III as his successor. Govinda-III also was power during early medieval period.
a powerful ruler. He involved himself in the g Control of Kannauj also implied control of
activities of the northern powers defeating the central Gangetic valley which had plenty of
Pratihara King Nagabhatta-II. Both the Palas and resources and thus it was both strategically
ruler of Kannauj submitted to his protection. and commercial important.
Govinda-III was followed by Amoghavarsha-I g This centre was best for trade and com-
who ruled from 815 AD to 877 AD. He shifted merce as it was connected to silk route.
his capital to Mayankheta in the Nizams domin- g Desire to loot through war.
ions in the Hyderabad state. He was involved
How did Tripartite Struggle Begin?
with the Chalukyas of Vengi, successfully
The Pratihara ruler named Vatsaraja was very
restrained the progress of Bhoja-I of Kannauj
ambitious about Kannauj. Similarly, Dharmapala,
towards south. Amoghavarsha is compared to
the Pala ruler also wanted to rule over Kannauj.
the fourth greatest monarchs of the world,
And thus, these two rulers were into a conflict.
besides Khalifa of Baghdad, the emperor of
Vatsaraja defeated Dharmapala in a battle at
China and the Emperor of Constantinople.
Gangetic Doab. And, at the same time, Vatsaraja
He was a patron of Digambar sect of Jainism. He
was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dhruva.
abdicated in favour of his son Krishna-II.
Dhruva also defeated Dharmapala. Finally, this
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