Page 51 - sst_class_07

RashtRakutas
The Rashtrakutas were the descendants of the feudatory chiefs, the Satavahanas. They
rose to power in the 8th century under Dantidurga. He laid

the foundation of the dynasty in 753 AD after defeating the
Chalukyas of Badami. He made Malkhed, which is a region in
the present day Maharashtra, as his capital.

His successor, Krishna Raya constructed the rock-cut Kailasa
temple at Ellora. Govinda-III (793-814); Amoghvarsha-I (814-
878), Indra-I and Krishna-I were some other great rulers of Kailash Temple at Ellora
this dynasty.
The Rashtrakutas fought against the Chalukyas, and the
Pallavas in the South. They then struggled against the
Pratiharas and the Palas for the control of the city of
Kannauj. The Rashtrakuta king Dhruva defeated Pratihara
king Vatsarajar but, he could not retain Kannauj for a long
time because of disturbances in his own state.
Elephant Caves Continuously fighting wars weakened the Rashtrakutas to a
great extent. They were finally overthrown in the 10th century.
The Rashtrakuta kings were patrons of art, architecture and literature. The famous
Elephanta caves were carved during their reign. These kings maintained trade relations
with foreign countries. The state was prosperous under their reign. Hinduism was the
most popular religion. They also encouraged Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. They patronised
Saivism and Vaishnavism. The rulers also encouraged the growth of regional languages.

While prashastis were common during this period, a very different kind of literary work was Rajatarangini,
written by a writer named Kalhana. This book dealt with the history of Kashmir. The writer was critical
about the rulers and their policies and analysed their achievements instead of just praising them.

sTruggle fOr Kannauj - TriParTiTe sTruggle
Since the days of Harsha, Kanauj was considered the symbol of power and sovereighty of North-

India, a position which Delhi was to acquire later. Control of Kanauj also implied the control of
the upper Gangetic valley and its rich resources in trade and agriculture. The Palas, Pratiharas
and the Rashtrakutas competed for control over Kanauj. This struggle is known in the history
as the Tripartite struggle. This struggle weakened all the three dynasties.

RajPuts

Rajputs are well-known for their bravery, honour and prestige in Indian history.
Some of the famous Rajput dynasties which ruled during this period were :
• The Gahadavalsas of Kanauj • Kalachuris of Tripuri
• Paramaras of Malwa • Chalukyas of Gujarat and
• Chandellas of Khajuraho • Tomors of Delhi
• Chauhans of Ajmer

Social Studies-7 51