Question

Write a short note on all three dynasties involved in the tripartite struggle

Answer 1

Tripartite struggle was betweenGurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas and Palas.
The dynasty of Gujara- Pratiharas ruled from 725 AD to 1040 AD. Their kingdom stretched over parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Kannauj on the banks of Ganga was their capital.The prominent rulers of this dynasty were Nagabhatta, Vatsaraja, Nagabhatta II, Mihir Bhoja, Mahendrapala and Rajyapala.Th dynasty received a severe blow when they were attacked by Mahmud Gazni and his forces in 1019 AD.

The Rastrakutas ruled areas of the Deccan for about three centuries- 7th to 10th centuries.Some of the famous Rashtrakuta rulers were Dantidurga, Krishna-I and Dhruva. Malkhed in Maharashtra was their capital.The worship of Shiva and Visnu became popular during their times. They built many temples. The rock-cut temples of Ellora and Elephanta were important monuments of this period. Trade and commerce also flourished and local self government played an important role in running village administration. The last ruler Karka-II of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty was defeated by the Chalikya kig in 973 AD.

Palas established their kingdom in Bengal in 8th century AD.It exised for about four centuries. The dynast was founded by king Gopala and his capital was at Pataliputra in Bihar.There were 17 kings who ruled over this dynasty but Dharmapala and Devapala were the prominent ones.They were good administrators and warriors.Developments took place in the fields of literature and learning. Vikramshila University established by King Dharmapala became a famous centre for learning.They revived Buddhism. Their dynasty was destroyed by Vijyasena, the founder of the Sena Dynasty in 12th century.