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Introduction – Early Medieval India (650–1200 AD)

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🏰 Introduction – Early Medieval India (650–1200 AD)

🔹 What is the Early Medieval Period?

  • Transitional period between Ancient and Medieval India (approx. 650–1200 AD).

  • Marked by the decline of centralized empires like the Guptas and Harsha’s Empire.

  • Rise of many regional kingdoms in North, South, and Deccan India.

🗺️ Political Scenario After Harsha’s Death (647 AD)

  • No single empire dominated North India after Harsha.

  • Several regional powers competed for political supremacy.

👑 Important Kingdoms & Rulers:

🟡 Lalitaditya Muktapida (Karkota Dynasty, Kashmir)

  • Ruled in 8th century AD.

  • Briefly controlled Punjab, Kanauj, and Bengal.

  • His power declined with the rise of other regional kingdoms.

  • Built the famous Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag, Kashmir.

  • Source: Rajatarangini by Kalhana mentions he defeated Yasovarman of Kannauj.

🟡 Yasovarman (Varman Dynasty, Kannauj)

  • Ruled during the 8th century AD.

  • Was a prominent ruler of Kannauj.

  • Defeated by Lalitaditya, as per Rajatarangini.

⚔️ The Tripartite Struggle (8th–10th Century)

A major political contest to control Kannauj and claim the title of Chakravartin (Universal Sovereign).

🟥 1. Palas (Eastern India – Bengal & Bihar)

  • Founded by Gopala in the 8th century.

  • Strong Buddhist patronage.

  • Ruled till the 9th century.

🟩 2. Pratiharas (Western India – Rajasthan & U.P.)

  • Based in Jalore, Rajasthan.

  • Ruled over Upper Gangetic Valley.

  • Famous ruler: Mihira Bhoja.

🟦 3. Rashtrakutas (Deccan)

  • Capital: Manyakheta (in Karnataka).

  • Played a bridging role between North and South India.

  • Famous ruler: Dhruva and Govinda III.

📚 Sources for the Period:

  • Rajatarangini by Kalhana (Kashmir history).

  • Inscriptions, coins, temple architecture (e.g., Martand Sun Temple).

📅 Timeline Summary:

Year/Period Event
647 AD Death of Harsha
8th Century Rule of Lalitaditya (Karkota dynasty)
8th–10th Century Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj

🧠 Simplified Understanding:

  • After Harsha’s death, India broke into small kingdoms.

  • These kingdoms fought for political dominance, especially Kannauj, which was considered a symbol of imperial power.

  • No single power could control entire North India, unlike the Guptas.

  • The Tripartite struggle highlights this fragmented political environment.

❓ UPSC PYQs (Related Questions)

1. UPSC Prelims 2014

Q. Who among the following rulers was defeated by the Chalukya ruler Pulakesin II?
A) Harshavardhana
B) Chandragupta II
C) Samudragupta
D) Krishnadeva Raya
👉 Answer: A) Harshavardhana
(Shows fragmentation after Harsha’s death)

2. UPSC Prelims 2019

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. In the post-Mauryan times, Kannauj became important under Harsha.

  2. Kannauj was later contested in a Tripartite struggle.
    Which of the above is/are correct?
    A) Only 1
    B) Only 2
    C) Both 1 and 2
    D) Neither 1 nor 2
    👉 Answer: C) Both 1 and 2

📝 Practice MCQ for You:

Q. Which of the following correctly matches the kingdom with its core region?

  1. Palas – Bengal

  2. Pratiharas – Gujarat

  3. Rashtrakutas – Deccan
    Choose the correct answer:
    A) 1 and 2 only
    B) 1 and 3 only
    C) 2 and 3 only
    D) All of the above
    👉 Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
    (Pratiharas were mainly in Rajasthan and Upper Gangetic Valley, not Gujarat)

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