SATHEE: Rashtrakutas

Rashtrakutas

Founded by: Dantidurga (also known as Dantidurga I)
Founded around: 753 CE
Capital: Manyakhedi (initially), later moved to Bhokar
Rise to power: Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas of Vatapi and established the Rashtrakuta dynasty
Key expansion under: Amoghavarsha I (r. c. 814–878 CE)
Territorial expansion:
- Conquered the Deccan region
- Extended control over parts of South India
- Established dominance over the Western Ghats
Administrative system: Centralized administration with a strong emphasis on military and economic policies
Economic policies: Promoted trade, especially with the Arab world and Southeast Asia
Cultural patronage: Encouraged art, architecture, and literature

King	Reign	Key Achievements
Dantidurga I	c. 753–793 CE	Founded the Rashtrakuta dynasty, defeated Chalukyas
Krsna I	c. 793–814 CE	Consolidated power, expanded territory
Amoghavarsha I	c. 814–878 CE	Greatest ruler, expanded empire, patronized art and culture
Indra III	c. 907–967 CE	Reigned during the decline, faced challenges from Cholas and Chalukyas
Krsna II	c. 967–973 CE	Last significant ruler, marked the beginning of the dynasty’s decline

Chalukya-Rashtrakuta Wars:
- Dantidurga vs. Chalukyas of Vatapi: Dantidurga’s victory established Rashtrakuta power
- Amoghavarsha vs. Chalukyas of Kalyani: Amoghavarsha defeated the Chalukyas and expanded Rashtrakuta influence
Conflicts with Cholas:
- Amoghavarsha I vs. Cholas: Amoghavarsha defeated the Cholas in the 9th century
- Raja Raja I vs. Rashtrakutas: Raja Raja I of the Cholas defeated the Rashtrakutas in the 10th century
Internal conflicts:
- Succession disputes led to fragmentation of the empire
- Weak rulers after Amoghavarsha I contributed to the decline

Causes of decline:
- Succession disputes and weak rulers
- Invasions by the Cholas and Chalukyas
- Internal strife and lack of centralized authority
Key events:
- Raja Raja I’s invasion (c. 949 CE): Defeated the Rashtrakutas and marked the end of their dominance
- Krsna II’s reign (c. 967–973 CE): Last significant ruler, after whom the dynasty declined
Legacy:
- Rashtrakutas were known for their military strength and cultural patronage
- Their rule contributed to the development of South Indian art and architecture
- The dynasty’s decline paved the way for the rise of the Cholas and Chalukyas

Founded by: Dantidurga (753 CE)
Greatest ruler: Amoghavarsha I (814–878 CE)
Capital: Manyakhedi → Bhokar
Key conflicts: Chalukyas, Cholas
Decline marked by: Raja Raja I’s invasion (949 CE)
Cultural contributions: Patronage of art, architecture, and literature
Important dates:
- 753 CE: Foundation of Rashtrakuta dynasty
- 814 CE: Reign of Amoghavarsha I
- 949 CE: Raja Raja I defeats Rashtrakutas

Feature	Rashtrakutas	Chalukyas	Cholas
Founded by	Dantidurga	Pulakesi I	Vijayalaya
Founded around	753 CE	543 CE	850 CE
Key ruler	Amoghavarsha I	Pulakesi II	Raja Raja I
Capital	Bhokar	Vatapi	Thanjavur
Dominance period	8th–10th century	6th–12th century	9th–13th century
Decline	10th century	12th century	13th century