RASHTRAKUTAS

RASHTRAKUTAS

The origin of the Rashtrakutas is obscure. The founder of the rule was Dantidurga, who overthrew the Chalukyas of Badami in about the middle of the eighth century AD. He was succeeded by his uncle, Krishna I (758-772). Krishna was succeeded by his son Govinda II (773-780). He was deposed by his younger brother Dhruva Nirupama. The period of Dhruva is regarded as the peak of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He succeeded in establishing his rull:: in the Deccan. Dhruva's death or abdication in 793 was followed by a 'war of succession.

The Rashtrakuta territories ulti­mately came to his son, Govinda III Jagattunga (793-814). Govinda III was succeeded by his son, Sarva, known as Amoghavarsha I (814-878), who is said to have built the city of Manyakheta as his capital. The last great ruler of the dynasty was Krishna III (939-967), who occupied Kanchi and Tanjore and defeated a Chola army at the battle of Takkolam in 949 and even annexed a part of the Chola kingdom. After 967, the Rashtrakutas declined as their rulers were weak. They were replaced by the later Chalukyas. The Rashtrakutas were involved in the famous tripartite struggle for Kanauj. (Refer to Chapter 11 in this section.)