Rashtrakutas

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, Gangas Cholas and Palas were their contemporaries. They were destined to become a truly formidable political force in South India, and in fact, waves of their imperial expansion went beyond the Vindhyas into North India, where they had occasions to pose as masters. Their dazzling political achievements, however, were adequately matched by some of their impressive contributions to Karnataka and Kannada culture. (Ref: History Of Karnataka, Mr. Arthikaje http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm)

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 or Rastika.

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. However by this time, several branches of Rashtrakutas had established themselves in North India.

Literature:

Kannada rose as a literary language during the Rashtrakuta rule. Most of their inscriptions are in that language. The Rashtrakutas were great patrons of learning, many literary, religious and scientific texts were written during theor rule. The Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha is thought to have written Prashottara Ratnamakike.

Kannada language, script and literature showed remarkable growth during the Rashtrakuta period. Kannada alphabet assumed sound and beautiful shapes and forms, and its literature attained productivity and dignity. The inscriptions mention a number of Kannada poets. However, the first extant work in Kannada is Kavirajamarga, a treatise on Kannada poetics. It is ascribed to the Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha I Nripatunga. Although some scholars argue that it was written by his court - poet, Sri Vijaya Ponna, the famous Kannada poet, was patronized by Krishna III, and was honoured with the title, Kavichakravarthi. The great classical Kannada poet, Pampa who wrote Adipurana and Vikramarjuna Vijaya, was patronized by Arikesari of Vemulavada, who was a feudatory of the Rashtrakutas. The inscription at Jura, belonging to the reign of Krishna III, is regarded as an epigraphical landmark of classical Kannada literary composition, with charming poetic diction in polished Kanda metre.

Art and Architecture: The Rashtrakuta contributions to art and architecture are reflected in the splendid rock-cut shrines at Ellora and Elephanta. It is said that they altogether constructed 34 rock-cut shrines, but most extensive and sumptuous of them all is the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora. The temple is a splendid achievement of art, and Vincent Smith extols it as the most marvelous architectural freak and one of the wonders of the world.

Some of the khyats of the Rathore clan of Jodhpur claim descent of the family from the Rashtrakutas. Archaeological evidence confirm that Rathore Rajputs indeed owe their origin to them. The Rashtrakute Maratha clan, one of the 96 maratha clans is also descended from them.

Rashtrakuta Empire

At its height, the Rashtrakutas ruled a vast empire. 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

Impact of the Rashtrakutas On Indian History and Culture

The rise of Rashtrakuts and Chalukyas had a great impact even in North India. See The great Karnataka Expansion.

List of rulers of Rashtrakuta

Earlier Rashtrakuta rulers were regional kings under the Chalukyas. Dantidurga was the first independent Rashtrakuta king.

Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta:

• Dantidurga (735-756), son of Chalukya princess, conquered Malava and Lata (Gujarat)
• Krishna I (756-774)
• Govinda II (774-780)
• Dhruva Dharavarsha (780-793), took Kannauj
• Govinda III (793-814)
• Amoghavarsha I (814-878), disciple of Jinasena, author of the first part of Mahapurana
• Krishna II Akalavarsha (878-914)
• Govinda IV
• Indra III (914-929)
• Amoghavarsha II (929-930)
• Govinda IV (930-935)
• Amoghavarsha III (934-939)
• Krishna III (939-967)
• Khottiga Amoghavarsha (967-972), attacked by Paramara Siyaka Harsha
• Karka II Amoghhavarsha IV (972-973), defeated by Chalukya Taila I
• Indra IV (973-982), entered samadhi at Shravanabelagola

For details see History of Karnataka

Rashtrakutas of Lata:

• Indra (807-818) (brother of Govinda III above)
• Karka and Govinda (818-826)
• Dhruva II (835-845)
• Akalavarsha Shubhatunga (867-)
• Dhruva III (-871)
• Direct rule from Manyakhet established after Dhruva III

Rashtrakutas of Hastikundi (near Jodhpur)

• Harivarma
• Vidagdha (916-938)
• Mammata (939-)
• Balaprasada (997)
• The Hathundi Rathores are descendants of this clan.

Rashtrakutas of Dahal (in MP)

• Golhanadeva (1023)

Rashtrakutas of Mandore/Jodhpur

• The lineage of Rathors of Mandore/Jodhpur starts with Rao Siyaji in 1226 and continues today.

External links

• Kannada Literature under the Rashtrakutas

• Sanskrit Literature under the Rashtrakutas

See also

• Chalukya Empire
• Ellora Caves

External links

• [1]
• List of rulers of Maharashtra
• Ancient India
• Inscriptions of India -- Partial listing of historical inscriptions from Indian temples and monuments