The Rashtrakutas were a dynasty which ruled the Deccan during the 8th-10th centuries. Feudatories of the Chalukyas they rose to prominence after the Chalukyas fell to Dantidurga. The Pratiharas, Vengis, GangasCholas and Palas were their contemporaries.
Origin
The Rashtrakutas were feudatories to the Chalukyas and came into prominence under Dantidurga around 753 CE. Rashtrakutas find mention in the edicts of Ashoka, where they are referred to as the 'Rathika's or 'Rastika's.
The Rashtrakuta's ruled nearly all of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh for several centuries. Dhruva (780 CE - 793 CE) considerably expanded the kingdom. The Rashtrakuta's were involved in several wars and alliances with other deccan kingdoms like the Vengi, Cholas and Gangas.
The final decline was sudden, Taila II (973 CE -997 CE) a feudatory of the Rashtrakutas tracing his lineage back to the Chalukyas declared himself independent after defeating the king Indra II.
The Rashtrakuta's gave much importance to the Kannada or Canari (in inscriptions) language; most of their inscriptions are in that language. While many believe them to be a dynasty indigenous to the Deccan region, some views ascribe a Rajput origin to them. The Rathore clan of Rajasthan are among those claiming descent from the Rashtrakutas.
Rashtrakuta Empire
At its height, the Rashtrakutas ruled a vast emopire. One inscription mentions Govinda III, having horses which drank the icy water of the Himalayas and his war elephant tasted the sacred water of Ganga. His conquered regions from Cape Comorin to Kanouj and from Banaras to Broach. For details see Span of Rashtrakuta Empire
