Emergence of New Dynasties

Several major ruling dynasties emerged in different parts of the subcontinent between the seventh and twelfth centuries.

The Emergence of New Dynasties: By the 7th century there were big landlords or warrior chiefs in different regions of the subcontinent. Existing kings often acknowledged them as their subordinates or samantas. They were expected to bring gifts for their kings or overlords, be present at their courts and provide them with military support. As samantas gained power and wealth, they declared themselves to be Maha-Samanta, Maha-Mandaleshvara(the great lord of circle or region ).

During seventh century the kings acknowledged the big landlords as their subordinates or samantas . The samantas were expected to bring gifts for their kings or overloads and provide them with military support. When the samantas gained power and wealth , they declared themselves to be Maha -Samanta, Maha Mandaleshwara and so on.Rashtrakutas were one of them. Intially they were subordinate to the chalukyas of Karnataka . In the mid -eighth century Dantidurga , a Rashtrakuta cheif,overthrew his chalukyas overload and performed a ritual Hiranyagarbha . after performing the ritual, it was thought to lead to the "rebirth " the sacrificer as a Kshatriya , even he was not one by birth. They also collected revenue from traders to finance the King's establishment construction of Forts and temples and Fight wars, which were in turn to lead to the acquisition of wealth in the form of plunder , and access to land as well as trade .

One such instance was that of the Rashtrakutas in the Decaan .Initially they were subordinate to the Chalukyas of Karantaka. In the mid-eighth century, Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta chief, overthrew his Chalukya overlord and performed a ritual called Hiranya-Garbha. When this ritual was performed with the help of Brahmanas, it was thought to lead to the “rebirth”of the sacrificer as a Kshatriya even if he was not one by birth.

In other cases , men from enterprising families used their military skills to carve out kingdoms . For instance, the Kadamba Mayura Sharma and the Gurjara-Pratihara Harichand were Brahmanas who gave up their traditional professions and took to arms,successfully establishing kingdoms in Karnataka and Rajasthan.

In other cases, men from enterprising families used their military skills to carve out kingdoms. For instance ,the Kadamba Mayurasharman and the Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra were Brahmanas who gave up their traditional professions and took to arms ,successfully establishing kingdoms in Karnataka and Rajasthan.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

To whom Rastrakutas were subordinate?
A. Cholas	B. Chalukyas	C. Thanjavus	D. None of the these
Right Option : B
View Explanation

Question : 2

Under whose rule ,was Ajmer the capital ?
A. Mauryas	B. Chauhans	C. Guptas	D. Pallavas
Right Option : B
View Explanation

Question : 3

Name the Rashtrakuta Chief who overthrew the Chalukan over lordship.
A. Samantas	B. Dantidurga	C. Harichandra	D. None of the these
Right Option : B
View Explanation