🛡️ The Rashtrakutas (753–975 AD)
🏰 Origin & Rise:
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Claimed descent from the Rathikas, a clan mentioned in Ashokan edicts.
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Originated in Kannada-speaking Deccan; referred to as Ballaharas by Arab travelers.
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Capital: Manyakheta (modern Malkhed, Karnataka).
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Recognized by Sanskrit and Arab sources as a major Indian power.
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Al-Masudi praised them as “Malik al-Muluk” (King of Kings) of al-Hind.
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Their wealth was largely from maritime trade.
🗺️ Extent of Empire:
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Dominated much of Deccan, extended into North India and South India.
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Constantly in tripartite conflict with Palas and Pratiharas.
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Engaged in major northern campaigns and southward expansion up to Rameshwaram.
👑 Important Rulers and Contributions:
| Ruler | Period | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Dantivarman/Dantidurga | 735–756 AD | Founder. Defeated Pratiharas in Malwa. Performed Hiranyagarbha ritual to become Kshatriya. |
| Krishna I | 756–774 AD | Expanded empire. Built Kailash Temple at Ellora — rock-cut marvel. |
| Dhruva Dharavarsha | 779–793 AD | Defeated Vatsaraja (Pratihara) and Dharmapala (Pala). Adopted symbols of Ganga–Yamuna. |
| Govinda III | 793–814 AD | Defeated Nagabhata II; reached Himalayas, Prayag, Banaras, and Gaya. |
| Amoghavarsha I | 814–878 AD | Longest reign. Patron of Jainism and literature. Authored Kavirajamarga (Kannada) & Prashnottara Ratnamalika (Sanskrit). Took jal-samadhi. Decline began under him. |
| Indra III | 914–929 AD | Defeated Mahipala (Pratihara king) in the north. |
| Krishna III | 939–967 AD | Seized Kanchi, Tanjore, defeated Cholas. Built victory pillar at Rameshwaram. Patron of Kannada poets. |
🛕 Religion:
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Rashtrakutas were tolerant and patronized multiple religions:
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Saivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism, Shaktism
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Allowed Muslim traders to practice Islam → Boosted foreign trade.
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Rituals like Tula-dana (gift of gold equal to one’s weight) practiced.
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Emblems showed Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle) — sign of Vaishnava influence.
📚 Literature & Culture:
✍️ Literary Contributions:
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Amoghavarsha I:
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Kavirajamarga – earliest Kannada literary work.
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Prashnottara Ratnamalika – Sanskrit philosophical work.
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Jinasena: Adi Purana (Jain text).
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Gunabhadra (spiritual guide of Krishna II): Maha Purana (Jain text).
🎭 The Three Gems of Kannada Literature:
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Adikavi Pampa
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Kavichakravarti Ponna
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Ranna
Patronised by Krishna III, Tailapa, and Satyashraya of Western Chalukyas.
📉 Decline:
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Decline began under Amoghavarsha I due to weak military policies.
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By the late 10th century:
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Lost hold over northern and southern conquests.
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Cholas and Western Chalukyas rose to power.
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📆 Timeline Summary:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 735 | Dantidurga founded Rashtrakuta rule. |
| 756 | Krishna I built Kailash Temple at Ellora. |
| 793–814 | Govinda III’s northern campaigns. |
| 814–878 | Amoghavarsha I’s cultural reign. |
| 939–967 | Krishna III’s victory in south; erected Rameshwaram pillar. |
📌 Quick Revision Points:
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Ballahara – Arab name for Rashtrakutas.
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Manyakheta – Capital city.
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Kailash Temple – Built by Krishna I at Ellora.
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Kavirajamarga – First Kannada literary work.
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Amoghavarsha I – Compared to Ashoka for Jain patronage.
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Victory pillar at Rameshwaram – Krishna III.
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Malik al-Muluk – Title given by Arab travellers.
📝 MCQs for Practice:
1. Who among the following built the Kailash Temple at Ellora?
A) Amoghavarsha I
B) Krishna I
C) Dantidurga
D) Krishna III
👉 Answer: B) Krishna I
2. Which Rashtrakuta king is associated with the title "Malik al-Muluk" as per Arab travelers?
A) Govinda III
B) Amoghavarsha I
C) Krishna I
D) Dantidurga
👉 Answer: B) Amoghavarsha I (The title refers to the dynasty under his reign)
3. What is Kavirajamarga famous for?
A) Military treatise
B) Tamil devotional text
C) First Kannada literary work
D) Sanskrit grammar text
👉 Answer: C) First Kannada literary work
4. The victory pillar at Rameshwaram was erected by:
A) Krishna III
B) Krishna I
C) Govinda III
D) Indra III
👉 Answer: A) Krishna III