Dynasties of India (750–1200 CE)

Dynasties of India: Pratiharas, Palas, Rashtrakutas, Rajputs & More

Explore the Early Medieval Period of India (750–1200 CE) with Pratiharas, Palas, Senas, Rajputs, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas. Learn about art, temples, culture, economy, and the Tripartite Conflict over Kanauj.

The period from 750 to 1200 CE is known as the Early Medieval Period in Indian history. This time was a little different, because not a single king ruled over the entire India. Small dynasties ruled their own kingdoms. Many times these kings kept fighting with each other. Nevertheless, during this period art, temples, literature and poetry were very nascent.

Pratiharas

The Pratihara dynasty arose from Rajasthan and Gujarat. They had a powerful king Mihira Bhoja. He made Kanauj his capital. These people supported the work of Sanskrit scholars and temple construction. But they always had to fight with the Pal and Rashtrakuta dynasties. Due to this continuous war, his strength gradually diminished.

Palas

The Pala kings started from Bengal and Bihar. The first king was Gopala, whom the people there made their king because there was turmoil in the country. After that Dharmapala and Devpala further expanded their kingdom.

The Pal kings believed in Buddhism very much. He built big universities like Nalanda and Vikramshila where students from all over Asia came to study. Pal artists used to make beautiful statues which went as far as Tibet. But he also kept fighting with Pratihar and Rashtrakut, hence his strength gradually decreased.

Tripartite Conflict

During this period, a major battle took place for the city of Kanauj. Kanauj was very important because whoever conquered it would be considered the greatest king of North India.

• Pratihar wanted to capture Kanauj to increase his power.
• The Pal king also wanted to capture Kanauj.
• Rashtrakutas used to come from the south and fight.

These three dynasties continued fighting for many years. Sometimes one won, sometimes the other, but no one could hold on to Kanauj for long.

Senas

1. After the Palons, the Sena dynasty came to power in Bengal. Their king Ballalsena made a new rule in the society which was called Kulin Pratha. In this, the upper castes were considered the most sacred.
2. But the Sena state could not last long. Soon they were defeated by the Turkish soldiers of Bakhtiyar Khilji and new rulers came to power in Bengal.

Rajput

1. At this time, Rajput kings became very powerful in North and West India. Rajputs were famous for their bravery, respect and loyalty.
2. The most famous Rajput king was Prithviraj Chauhan. He fought against Muhammad Ghori. He won the first time, but was defeated the second time in the Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE.

Pallavas

1. The Pallava kings ruled in South India. Their capital was Kanchipuram. He built beautiful temples like the Mahabalipuram Temple and Shore Temple. Today this temple is a UNESCO heritage site.
2. After the Pallavas, the Chola kings took their place.

Chalukyas

• The Chalukya kings were famous in the Deccan (central India). He built beautiful temples in Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole. These people kept fighting with the Rashtrakut and Pallavon. Later his capital became Kalyani.

Rashtrakutas

1. In the 8th century, a king named Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas, and the kingdom of Rashtrakuta began. Their capital was Manyakheta (in present-day Karnataka).
2. They built many large temples. The most famous is the Kailash Temple at Ellora, carved from a single stone. Rashtrakuta kings supported both Sanskrit and Kannada languages.

Feudal System (Jagirdari)

1. During this period, kings would give away pieces of their land to Brahmins, temples, and their officials. These people used to collect taxes from that land and also formed their own army. Gradually, he developed his own unique power and the king became weak.

Society and Culture

1. The caste system in society became more solidified. Brahmins were considered higher caste due to their religion and knowledge, and Rajputs were considered Kshatriyas due to their warfare.
2. During this period, temples were not only places of worship but also centres of art, culture and money. The Bhakti movement started in the South in which people gave importance to love and devotion towards God, not just strict worship.

Examples of the Temple Period:

1. Kailasa Temple at Ellora – Rashtrakuta
2. Temples at Khajuraho – Chandela
3. Mahabalipuram – Pallava

Economy

1. Villages were the most important units of this period. People used to do farming. But large cities and trade declined. Compared to the Gupta period, trade and cities declined during this period.
2. During the Chola period, maritime trade revived in South India, where goods were bought and sold with the countries of Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

The period from 750 to 1200 CE was a period in which art, literature, and temple art reached their peak. Pal, Pratihar, Rashtrakut, Chalukya, Sena, Rajput all contributed. After this period, India enters a new era which is called the medieval era or the time of Delhi Sultanate.

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