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. The period of their rule is considered as the time of "imperial Kannada". Kannada inscriptions have been discovered as far north as Jabalpur, MadhyaPradesh. (Ref: History Of Karnataka, Mr. Arthikaje http://www.ourkarnataka.com/history.htm) The Deccan Plateau is a vast plateau in India, encompassing most of Central and Southern India. ... The Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled parts of southern India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... The Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... The Pratiharas, also called the Gurjara-Pratiharas were an Indian dynasty who ruled kingdoms in Rajasthan and northern India from the sixth to the eleventh centuries. ... The Ganga Dynasty is one of two unrelated dynasties who ruled parts of India: The Western Ganga Dynasty ruled a kingdom in southern India, based in southern Karnataka. ... The Cholas were the most famous of the three dynasties that ruled ancient Tamil Nadu. ... This article is about a village in Estonia. ...

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 Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled parts of southern India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... Dantidurga was the founder of the dynasty called Rashtrakutas. ... Please see Ashoka (disambiguation) for other uses of the word Ashoka Ashoka the Great (IAST , Devanagari अशोक ) was the emperor of the Mauryan empire from 273 BC to 232 BC. After a number of military conquests, Ashoka reigned over most of South Asia and beyond, from present day Afghanistan to Bengal...

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. Karnataka (ಕನಾ೯ಟಕ in Kannada) is one of the four southern states of India. ... Maharashtra (महाराष्ट्र in Devanagari) is Indias third largest state in terms of area and second largest in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh. ... Andhra Pradesh (ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశం in Telugu) (Āndhra Prādesh), is a state in south-eastern India and is part of the linguistic-cultural region of South India. ... The Cholas were the most famous of the three dynasties that ruled ancient Tamil Nadu. ... The Ganga Dynasty is one of two unrelated dynasties who ruled parts of India: The Western Ganga Dynasty ruled a kingdom in southern India, based in southern Karnataka. ...

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 - aptly described as sirigannada (known to few as Kanarese) is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and is spoken in its various dialects by roughly 45 million people. ...

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. The Rathore or Rathor (Sanskrit Rashtrakuta) are a Rajput clan from western Rajasthan in India. ... Jodhpur seen from Mehrangarh Fort. ... The Rathore or Rathor (Sanskrit Rashtrakuta) are a Rajput clan from western Rajasthan in India. ... A Rajput ( राजपूत from Sanskrit राजपुत्र rāja-putra, son of a king) is a member of a prominent caste who live throughout northern and central India, primarily in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, which was called Rajputana until reorganization of Indias states after independence. ... Maratha is an Indo-Aryan, kshatriya (warrior) caste of Marathi language speaking people primarily residing in the plains and hills of Indias western state of Maharashtra. ...

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: Modern Malkheda in Karnataka, once tha capital of Rashtrakutas ...

• 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 Dantidurga was the founder of the dynasty called Rashtrakutas. ... The Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... Amoghavarsha Nripathunga was the greatest of the Rashtrakuta kings. ... Jinasena is the name of two famous Jain Acharyas. ... The Paramara or Parmar were a prominent Rajput clan of medieval India. ... The Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... The statue of Gomatheswara dates from 978-993 AD. Shravanabelagola is a city located in the Hassan district, in the Indian state 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) Jodhpur seen from Mehrangarh Fort. ...

• 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.

The Rathore or Rathor (Sanskrit Rashtrakuta) are a Rajput clan from western Rajasthan in India. ...

External links

• Kannada Literature under the Rashtrakutas

• Sanskrit Literature under the Rashtrakutas

MIDDLE KINGDOMS OF INDIA
Timeline:	Northern empires	Southern Kingdoms	Foreign kingdoms
6th century BCE  5th century BCE  4th century BCE  3rd century BCE  2nd century BCE  1st century BCE  1st century CE  2nd century CE  3rd century CE  4th century CE  5th century CE  6th century CE  7th century CE  8th century CE  9th century CE 10th century CE 11th century CE Middle kingdoms of India refers to the political entities in India from the 6th century BCE through to the Islamic invasions and the related Decline of Buddhism from the 7th century CE. // Kingdoms and Empires The Aryans had invaded India from the Northwest, according to the Aryan Invasion Theory, and... Coin of the Western Kshatrapas Bhratadaman (278 to 295 CE). ...	Magadha empire Nanda empire Mauryan empire Satavahana empire Sunga empire Kuninda kingdom Magadha was an ancient kingdom of India, mentioned in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. ... Nanda dynasty was established by an illegitimate son of the king Mahanandin of the previous Shishunaga dynasty. ... The Mauryan empire (321 to 185 BC), at its largest extent around 230 BC. The Mauryan Empire was Indias first great unified empire. ... Approximate extent of the Satavahana Empire, circa 150 CE. The Sātavāhanas, also known as the Andhras, were a dynasty which ruled in Southern and Central India starting from around 230 BCE. Although there is some controversy about when the dynasty came to an end, the most liberal estimates... Approximate greatest extent of the Sunga empire (185 BCE-73 BCE) The Sunga empire (or Shunga empire) controlled the eastern part of India from around 185 to 73 BCE. It was established after the fall of the Indian Mauryan empire. ... Silver coin of the Kuninda Kingdom, c. ... Gupta empire Pratihara Pala Empire Solanki	Pandya Silver coin of the Gupta King Kumara Gupta I (414-455) CE. The Gupta Empire was an Indian empire ruled by the Gupta dynasty in ancient India from around 320 to 550 CE. // Origins The origins of the Guptas are shrouded in obscurity. ... The Pratiharas, also called the Gurjara-Pratiharas were an Indian dynasty who ruled kingdoms in Rajasthan and northern India from the sixth to the eleventh centuries. ... Buddha and Bodhisattvas, 11th century, Pala Empire. ... Siddhraj Jaysinh The Solanki or Chalukya is a Hindu Rajput dynasty of India, who ruled the kingdom of Gujarat from the 10th to the 13th centuries. ... The Pandyan kingdom was an ancient state at the tip of South India, founded around the 6th century BCE. It was part of the Dravidian cultural area, which also comprised other kingdoms such as that of the Pallava, the Chera, the Chola, the Chalukya and the Vijayanagara. ... Kalinga Chera Chola Kalinga was an ancient kingdom of central-eastern India, in the province of Orissa. ... The Cheras were one of the three ancient Tamil dynasties who ruled the southern peninsula of India at the beginning of its recorded history. ... The Cholas were the most famous of the three dynasties that ruled ancient Tamil Nadu. ... Pallava Chalukya Rashtrakuta	(Persian rule) (Greek conquests) This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... The Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... The Persian Empire is the name used to refer to a number of historic dynasties that have ruled the country of Persia (Iran). ... In ancient times, trade between India and Greece flourished with silk, spices and gold being traded. ... Indo-Greek kingdom Indo-Scythians Indo-Parthian Kingdom Kushan Empire Western Kshatrapas Indo-Sassanians Kidarite Kingdom Indo-Hephthalites (First Islamic conquests) Maximum extent of Indo-Greek territory circa 175 BC. ‹The template below has been proposed for deletion. ... Early anepigraphic coinage of the Indo-Scythians (c. ... Coin of Gondophares (20-50 CE), first and greatest king of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. ... Boundary of the Kushan empire, c. ... Approximate territory of the Western Kshatrapas ( 35- 405 CE). ... Coin of the Indo-Sassanian king Varahran I (early 4th century). ... Coin of Kidara (reigned circa 360-380 CE), founder of the Kidarite Kingdom Obv: King Kidara standing. ... Billon drachm of the Hephthalite King Napki Malka (Afghanistan/ Gandhara, c. ... During the middle ages, several Islamic regimes established empires in India. ... Shahi (Islamic invasion of India) Coin of the Shahi king Spalapati Deva, circa 750-900. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Islamic conquest of South Asia. ...

See also

• Chalukya Empire
• Ellora Caves

The Chalukya Dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. ... Kailasanatha Temple Ellora is an ancient village 30 km from the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra famous for its magnificent rock cut architecture comprising of Buddhist, Hindu and Jaina cave temples and monasteries built between the 6th and 10th century A.D. These structures were excavated...

External links

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