Rashtrakutas (755 – 975 AD)

Introduction: Founder of Rashtrakutas

The dynasty of Rashtrakuta was founded by an eminent ruler Dantivarman or Dantidurga from 735–756. All territories that were located between Godavari and Vima were captured by Dantivarman.

The kingdoms that were captured by Dantivarman included −

• Kalinga

• Kosala

• Kanchi

• SrisrilM

• alava and

• Lata.

Dantivarman also captures Maharastra after defeating Kirtivarma, a major Chalukya king.

Some major inscriptions of Chalukya kings highlighted that Rashtrakutas were vassals of Chalukyas. Some major emperors of Rashtrakutas include Dantidurga (735-756), Dhruva Dharavarsha (780–793), Amoghavarsha III (936–939), and Khottiga Amoghavarsha (967 – 972).

The mother language of Rashtrakutas was Kannada as they originated from Kannada.

Image 1: Map showing the extent of the Rashtrakuta Empire 750-900BC (w:user:Planemad, Indian Rashtrakuta Empire map, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Major Rulers of Rashtrakutas

The major rulers of the Rashtrakutas dynasty and their achievements are mentioned below.

Image 2: Major Rulers of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty

• Krishna I (756-774) − Dantidurga the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was defeated by Krishna I. The ruler then captured all territories that came under Chalukyas and Konkan. Vishnuvardhana of Vengi and the Ganga king of Mysore was killed and defeated by Krishna I. He has a great passion for art and literature and his creation of the Kailash Temple at Ellora is a symbol of his passion for art and architecture. Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora which is situated in Maharashtra is one of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India.

• Govinda II (774-780) − Govinda II was the son of Krishna I who ascended the throne after the death of his father.

• Dhruva (780-793) − Dhruva was defeated Gurjara-Pratihara an eminent king of Vatsyaraja. Other rulers including the Pallavas of Kanchi and the Pala King Dharmapala of Bengal also defeated him.

• Govinda III (793-814) − Govinda III was the son of Dhruva, succeeded the throne after his father’s death. Gurjara King Nagabhatta II was defeated by Govinda III. Pala King Dharmapala was helped by Govinda III and his kingdom spread out to Vindhyas and Malava which were in the north and Tungabhadra, a river that was in the south.

• Amoghavarsha I (814- 878 A.D.) − Amoghavarsha I was the greatest ruler of the dynasty of Rashtrakuta and was the son of Govinda III. The ruler established a capital at Manyakheta and Broach which became the best port during his time. The king had a great passion for literature and art. He became a great Jaina monk by converting himself to Jainism by Jinasena. The ruler continued to rule the Rashtrakuta dynasty for about 63 years.

• Krishna II (878-914) − Krishna II was the son of Amoghavarsha who captured the throne successfully after the death of Amoghavarsha.

• Indra III (914 -929) − He was the powerful ruler who defeated and killed Mahipala.

• Krishna III (939–967) − The last efficient and powerful king of the dynasty of Rashtrakuta was Krishna III. He successfully defeated Tamil rulers of the Chola kingdoms and on the other side captured Tanjore and Kanchi.

• Karka (972–973) − Ruler Karka was killed and deafened by Tailapa or Taila, who was the major Chalukya king of Kalyani.

Administration of Rashtrakutas

The administration of the Rashtrakutas dynasty highlighted that in the case of villages there was a separate administration. This administration played a significant role in the development and economic growth of the dynasty. In this dynasty, all provinces were generally controlled and maintained by Rashtrapati.

The provinces were divided into Vishayas or districts that were usually governed by vishayapatis. The subdivisions of Rasjtrakutas Administration were denoted as bhukti which consisted of 50 to 70 villages under the control of bhogapatis.

Literature, Art, and Architecture of Rashtrakutas

The people of the Rashtrakutas dynasty were highly passionate about art, Sanskrit literature, education, and architecture.

• The major symbol of their passion for literature is Nalachampu, which was written by Trivikrama Bhatta.

• During the rule of Krishna III, Halayudha composed Kavirahasya.

• During this time, Adipurana was written by Jinasena which is a composition life stories of several Jain saints. Jinasena also composed a biography of Parsva named Parsvabhudaya.

• Viracharya was the great mathematician of this dynasty and he wrote Ganitasaram.

• A famous grammar work that was written by Sakatayana is Amogavritti.

• Pampa was a major Kannada poet and one of his famous works is Vikramasenavijaya.

• The architecture of the Kashivishvanatha temple and Jain Narayana temple at Pattadakal which are located in Karnataka also determined as the major artworks of Rashtrakutas.

• The art and architecture of the Rashtrakutas dynasty can be seen in Ellora and Elephanta. The famous temple that depicts the famous art of Rashtrakutas is Kailasanatha temple at Ellora which was built by Krishna I.

Conclusion

• Rashtrakutas was very much passionate about art, education, literature, culture, and architecture. The 2 major creations of Rashtrakutas include Kailasanatha Temple and Elephanta. Several Kanndan poets of this dynasty had proved thier passion for literature. Some major poets include Ponna and Pampa who were famous for their great literary works. Pampa wrote Vikramasenavijaya and Santipurana was written by Ponna.

FAQs

Q1. What are the major features of Rashtrakutas?

Ans.During the period of 755 to 975 AD, active commerce has witnessed between the kingdoms of Arab and Deccan. Vaishnavism and Saivism also flourished during the period of Rashtrakutas. Rashtrakutas generally stimulated the Arab trade as a bond of friendship was maintained between them.

Q2.Who was the greatest Rashtrakuta king?

Ans.Amoghavarsha I (r. 814–878 CE) who was also well-known as Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga I was the greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Amoghavarsha I was also a great emperor of Ancient India who ruled for 64 years.

Q3.How did culture influence the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

Ans.. The architecture of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was much famous for its Dravidian style which can be depicted in the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora situated in Maharashtra. Other art and architecture of this dynasty have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Kashivishvanatha temple and Jain Narayana temple at Pattadakal which are located in Karnataka.