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3.The Rashtrakutas-Maharashtra
Rashtrakuta (753-982 CE) was a royal Indian dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries. The earliest known Rashtrakuta inscription is a 7th-century copper plate grant detailing their rule from Manapur, a city in Central or West India. Other ruling Rashtrakuta clans from the same period mentioned in inscriptions were the kings of Achalpur and the rulers of Kannauj.
Here are some of the important rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty:
1. Dantidurga (735-756 CE)
Founder of the Dynasty: Dantidurga is considered the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He established the Rashtrakuta rule by overthrowing the Chalukyas of Badami.
Military Conquests: He expanded the kingdom by conquering territories in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
2. Krishna I (756-774 CE)
Architectural Contributions: Krishna I is renowned for commissioning the construction of the rock-cut Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora, one of the finest examples of Rashtrakuta architecture.
Expansion: He continued the expansion policies of his predecessor and solidified Rashtrakuta control over the Deccan region.
3. Dhruva Dharavarsha (780-793 CE)
Military Success: Dhruva Dharavarsha significantly expanded the Rashtrakuta Empire through successful military campaigns against the Palas in the east and the Pratiharas in the north.
Power and Influence: Under his rule, the Rashtrakutas became a dominant power in the Indian subcontinent.
4. Govinda III (793-814 CE)
Conquests: Govinda III extended the empire's boundaries further, conducting successful campaigns in northern India, southern India, and even into the eastern regions.
Diplomatic Alliances: His reign saw the Rashtrakuta Empire at its zenith, with diplomatic relations extending as far as the Abbasid Caliphate.
5. Amoghavarsha I (814-878 CE)
Cultural Patronage: Amoghavarsha I was a patron of arts, literature, and culture. He authored the Kannada classic "Kavirajamarga," and his reign is often considered a golden age for Kannada literature.
Administrative Reforms: He focused on the internal development of the empire, implementing efficient administrative reforms and promoting trade and agriculture.
6. Krishna II (878-914 CE)
Military Challenges: Krishna II faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with the Eastern Chalukyas, the Cholas, and the Western Ganga Dynasty.
Territorial Defence: Despite the challenges, he managed to defend the core territories of the Rashtrakuta Empire and maintain its stability.
7. Indra III (914-927 CE)
Revival of Power: Indra III restored the power and prestige of the Rashtrakuta Empire after a period of decline. He successfully defeated the Pratiharas and asserted dominance over northern India.
Administrative Efficiency: He was known for his effective administration and military prowess.
8. Krishna III (939-967 CE)
Last Great Ruler: Krishna III was the last significant ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He conducted successful campaigns against the Cholas and extended his influence into Tamil Nadu.
Significant achievements
The Rashtrakutas, who ruled large parts of India from the 8th to the 10th centuries CE, are known for several significant achievements that contributed to the cultural, political, and economic landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Here are the main achievements of the Rashtrakuta rule:
1. Territorial Expansion and Military Success
Consolidation and Expansion: The Rashtrakutas expanded their empire to cover large parts of the Indian subcontinent, including the Deccan Plateau, parts of Central India, and regions in the north. Key rulers like Dantidurga, Dhruva Dharavarsha, and Govinda III led successful military campaigns that extended the empire’s boundaries.
Victory Over Rivals: They achieved notable victories against contemporary powers such as the Palas in the east, the Pratiharas in the north, and the Cholas in the south, establishing themselves as one of the most powerful empires of their time.
2. Cultural and Architectural Contributions
Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora: One of their most remarkable architectural achievements is the rock-cut Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora, commissioned by Krishna I. This temple is an architectural marvel, showcasing the advanced engineering and artistic skills of the period.
Patronage of Arts and Literature: The Rashtrakutas were patrons of art, literature, and culture. They promoted various forms of literature in Sanskrit and regional languages like Kannada. Amoghavarsha I, one of the most famous Rashtrakuta rulers, authored the Kannada classic "Kavirajamarga."
3. Administrative Reforms
Efficient Governance: The Rashtrakutas implemented a well-organised administrative system. They divided their empire into various provinces (mandalas), each governed by appointed officials who maintained law and order and ensured the collection of taxes.
Revenue System: They developed an efficient revenue system that supported the empire's administration and military expenditures. The collection of taxes from agriculture, trade, and commerce was systematic and well-regulated.
4. Economic Prosperity
Trade and Commerce: The Rashtrakutas fostered economic prosperity through extensive trade networks. They established commercial relations with distant regions, including the Abbasid Caliphate in the Middle East and other parts of Asia.
Agricultural Development: They promoted agricultural development by improving irrigation systems, which increased agricultural productivity and ensured food security for their population.
5. Religious Tolerance and Patronage
Support for Diverse Religions: The Rashtrakutas were known for their religious tolerance and patronage of various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. They built temples, monasteries, and other religious structures, contributing to the cultural and spiritual diversity of their empire.
Encouragement of Pilgrimage: They supported pilgrimage centres and religious festivals, which played a significant role in enhancing the cultural and religious life of their subjects.
6. Promotion of Education and Literature
Centres of Learning: The Rashtrakutas established centres of learning that attracted scholars, poets, and philosophers from different parts of India. These centres became hubs for intellectual and cultural exchange.
Literary Contributions: Apart from "Kavirajamarga," the Rashtrakutas patronised other significant works of literature in Sanskrit and regional languages, contributing to the literary heritage of India.
These achievements highlight the Rashtrakutas' contributions to India's history and their lasting legacy in various fields, including architecture, literature, administration, and economic development.
They spoke Kannada but also knew the northern Deccan language.
Under Rashtrakuta, who defeated a rival dynasty, the Chalukyas, the Deccan empire became the second greatest political unit in India, covering the area from Malwa in western India to Kanchi (Kanchipuram) in the southeast.
The importance of the Rashtrakutas during this era is indicated by the fact that a Muslim traveller wrote of the king as being one of the four great rulers of the world—the others being the caliph (ruler of the Muslims) and the emperors of Byzantium and China.
Kailasa Temple
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Vesara/ Deccan Style
It was started by the Chalukyas.
Examples include Vesara Style temples at Aihole (town of temples), Jinendra temple, (Meguti temples), Vishnu temple, Lad Khan temple (God Surya), Durga temple, Nagara style temple at Pattadakal, Papanatha temple, Dravida style temple at Pattadakal, Virupaksha temple and Sangamesvara temple.
Pallava Art / Dravida Style
The Shikhara had influence from Java, Cambodia and Annam.
Examples of Pallava Arts:
Bhairavakona temple
Anantheshwar temple at Undavalli
Mandapa temple
Ratha temple of Mamallapuram
Kailashnath and Vaikunth
Perumal Temple at Kanchi
Shore Temple at Mamallapuram
Pallava Sculpture: Based on Buddhist tradition e.g. descent of the Ganges and Arjuna’s penance at Mamallapuram.
Rashtrakuta Style
The rock-cut temple of Kailash (Shiva) at Ellora, was built by Krishna I.
