Rashtrakutas
Realm 12: Ellora's Monoliths, The Balhara, and Deccan Supremacy
WORLD B — MAJOR DYNASTIES, 750–1200
MICRO-REALM 01
Origins & Dantidurga
- Overthrew Badami Chalukyas.
- Dantidurga founder (753 CE).
- Hiranyagarbha (Golden Womb) sacrifice.
- Establishment of sovereign power.
MICRO-REALM 02
Krishna I & Ellora
- Defeated Gangas and Chalukyas.
- Patron of Kailasanatha temple.
- Monolithic rock-cut marvel.
- Dravidian architectural influence.
MICRO-REALM 03
Imperial Expansion
- Dhruva & Govinda III.
- Marched to the Himalayas.
- Defeated Palas and Pratiharas.
- Undisputed Pan-Indian dominance.
MICRO-REALM 04
Amoghavarsha I
- Ruled for 64 years.
- Capital shifted to Manyakheta.
- Authored Kavirajamarga (Kannada).
- Devout patron of Jainism.
MICRO-REALM 05
Late Imperial Apex
- Indra III sacked Kannauj (915 CE).
- Krishna III's southern campaigns.
- Defeated Cholas at Takkolam.
- Erected pillar at Rameswaram.
MICRO-REALM 06
Administration
RASHTRA
VISAYA
BHUKTI
- Provinces, districts, sub-districts.
- Nad-gavundas (revenue officials).
- Decentralized military structure.
- Village autonomy maintained.
MICRO-REALM 07
Religious Tolerance
- Flourishing syncretic society.
- State patronage to Jainism.
- Puranic Hinduism (Vishnu/Shiva).
- Arab Muslims appointed governors.
MICRO-REALM 08
Elephanta & Ellora
- Cave 15 (Dashavatara) at Ellora.
- Elephanta Caves (Gharapuri).
- Maheshmurti (Trimurti) sculpture.
- Mastery of basalt carving.
MICRO-REALM 09
Arab Trade Relations
- Called 'Balhara' by Arab writers.
- Sanjan copper plates record.
- Flourishing western coast ports.
- Mosques permitted to be built.
MICRO-REALM 10
Decline & Fall
- Paramara Siyaka sacked Manyakheta.
- Empire severely weakened.
- Tailapa II's rebellion (973 CE).
- Rise of Kalyani Chalukyas.