The Rashtrakutas (753-975 Ad): Rise, Patronage, Decline

Introduction

The Rashtrakutas, originating from the Kannada-speaking region, rose to power in the Deccan around 743 AD. Led by influential rulers like Dantidurga and Amoghavarsha I, they became a dominant force in India for nearly two centuries. Known for their patronage of diverse religions and literature, they left a significant mark on Indian history.

Overview of the Rise and Influence of the Rashtrakutas

1. The Rise of the Rashtrakutas

• Ancestral Origins: They claimed descent from the Rathikas, a clan in the Kannada-speaking region mentioned in the edicts of Ashoka.
• Emergence of the Rashtrakutas: The Rashtrakutas, referred to as Ballahara by the Arabs, emerged as a significant power around A.D. 743 in the Deccan, ruling from their capital at Manyakheta, present-day Malkhed. 
• Acknowledgment as a Dominant Force: They are acknowledged in both Sanskrit and Arabic records as a dominant force in India for nearly two centuries, with Arab travellers describing the Rashtrakuta ruler as “the king of kings (malik al-muluk)” of al-Hind.
• Arab Accounts Description: Particularly by Al-Masudi, offers a lavish description of the Rashtrakuta kingdom’s grandeur. 
• Maritime Trade: The immense wealth of the kingdom is attributed to the profit from maritime trade.

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2. Important Rulers

• Dantivarman or Dantidurga (735–756 AD): founder of the dynasty, conquered several territories including the Gurjara-Pratiharas in Malwa. 
  • Religious Rituals: Dantidurga performed the Hiranyagarbha ritual (literally meaning ‘golden womb’,) to claim kshatriya status.
• Krishna I (758-773 AD): succeeded him, who expanded the empire to include regions like present-day Hyderabad and Mysore. 
  • He built the Kailash temple at Ellora.
• Dhruv Dharavarsha (779-793 AD): marked the dynasty’s northern expedition, defeating prominent rulers like Vatsaraja (Pratihara king) and Dharmapala (Pala king). 
  • He incorporated the symbols of the Ganga and Yamuna into the Rashtrakuta emblem. 
• Govinda III (793-814 AD): revitalised Rashtrakuta’s influence, defeating Nagabhatta II of the Pratiharas. He marched up to the Himalayas and visited significant cities like Prayag, Banaras, and Gaya. 
• Amoghavarsha I (814–880 AD): He was interested in the religious traditions of contemporary India and used to spend his time in the company of Jaina monks. 
  • Prominence in Jainism: His inscriptions count him among the most prominent followers of Jainism.
  • Literary Contribution: He composed one of the earliest Kannada literature texts, the Kavirajamarga.
  • Royal Titles: He took the titles Nripatunga, Atishayadhavala, Maharaja-shanda and Vira-Narayana.
  • End of Life: He ended his life by taking jal-samadhi in the Tungabhadra river.
  • Beginning of Decline: The decline of the Rashtrakutas began under his reign due to weaker military acumen. 
    • Under his successor, Krishna II, the kingdom experienced further decay. 
• Indra III: launched a successful northern campaign against the Pratihara ruler, Mahipala. 
• Krishna III: seized regions like Kanchi and Tanjore, even overcoming the Cholas and erecting a victory pillar at Rameshwaram. 

3. Religion

• Patronage of Multiple Religions: The Rashtrakutas were patrons of diverse religions, including Saivism, Vaishnavism, Sakta cults, and Jainism.
• Depictions of Vishnu: The seals have pictures of Garudavahana of Vishnu.
• Tula-danas References: There are references to Tula-danas gift or offer of gold equal to one’s own weight to temple deities.
• Tolerance and Trade: They allowed Muslim traders to practise and spread Islam in their realm, thereby enhancing foreign trade.

4. Literature

• Amoghavarsha I: was the author of Prashnottara Ratnamalika, a Sanskrit work, and Kavirajamarga, a Kannada work.
• Jinasena: wrote the Adipurana of the Jains. 
• Gunabhadra: Krishna II’s spiritual guide, Gunabhadra, wrote the Mahapurana of the Jains. 
• Three Gems of Ancient Kannada Literature: Kavichakravarthi Ponna, Adikavi Pampa and Kavichakravarti Ranna – were patronised by Rashtrkuta king Krishna III, as well as by Tailapa and Satyashraya of Western Chalukyas.
• Literary Figures: Notable apabhramsha poet Svayambhu and his son were likely inhabitants of the Rashtrakuta court.     

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Conclusion

The Rashtrakutas, a dominant force for nearly two centuries, contributed to India’s cultural richness through patronage of diverse religions and literature. While their decline began under Amoghavarsha I, their legacy endures through literary works like Kavirajamarga and the influence of Jainism and other religions in the Deccan.