Tripartite Struggle: Palas, Pratiharas & Rashtrakutas

Tripartite Struggle: Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas

There was a common struggle between these kingdoms over the control of Kannauj which enabled them to control the fertile upper Gangetic plains

They dominated Eastern India.
Founded by Gopala in 750 AD and succeeded by Dharam Pala. The Pala rulers were defeated by the Prathiharas and Rashtrakutas in the North.
They were patrons of Buddhism.
Dharmapala revived the Nalanda University by setting aside 200 villages for its expenses. He also founded Vikramashila University and built many Viharas for Buddhist monks.
They had trade contacts and cultural links with South-East Asia. Sailendra dynasty sent many ambassadors and asked permission to build a monastery near Nalanda

They dominated Western India and Upper Gangetic valley
The real founder and major ruler was Bhoja with title Adivaraha
Al-Masudi, a Baghdad traveller, visited India during the times of Pratiharas in 915-16 AD
Rajashekar, a great Sanskrit poet, and dramatist lived at the court of Mahipala
The attacks by Rashtrakuta rulers, Indra III and Krishna III led to the faster dissolution of the empire

They dominated Deccan and certain territories in North and South India. Kingdom was founded by Dandi Durga with capital at Malkhed
Amogavarsha was a great king. He was credited with writing the first poetics book in Kannada. He also built the Capital city, Manyakhet.
They were in the constant contest with the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Chalukyas in the South
Krishna I built the rock-cut temple of Shiva at Ellora
They had a tolerant religious policy which favoured their foreign trade

The king was the centre of administration and his position became hereditary
Royal household = Antahpur
Administration in Palas and Pratiharas
1. Bhukti – Province under Uparika
2. Mandala or Visaya – district under Visayapati
3. Group of Villages – Samanthas or Bhogapatis.
4. Pattala – smaller unit
Administration in the Rashtrakutas
1. Rashtra – Province under Rashtrapati
2. Visaya – district
3. Bhukti – smaller unit
Grama-Mahajana – Village elder
Kotwal – responsibility to maintain law and order
Nad-Gavundas/Desa-gramakutas – hereditary revenue officers in Deccan

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