Political Development and Administration of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture on the political development and administration of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty.

Rashtrakuta Dynasty

One of the most powerful imperial dynasties of early medieval India, ruling from the mid-8th to late-10th centuries CE.

Dantidurga

The founder of the imperial Rashtrakuta line (c. 735–756 CE) who established an independent kingdom.

Manyakheta

The capital established by Dantidurga, located in present-day Karnataka.

Hiranyagarbha ceremony

A ritual performed by Dantidurga to legitimize his authority, symbolizing royal sovereignty.

Tripartite struggle

The conflict for control over Kannauj involving the Rashtrakutas, Palas, and Pratiharas.

Maharajadhiraja

A grand title adopted by Rashtrakuta kings to project themselves as universal rulers.

Rashtrapatis

Provincial governors in the Rashtrakuta Empire who exercised administrative, fiscal, and military authority.

Mahamatya

The chief minister in the Rashtrakuta central administration.

Feudal structure

A system in which numerous samantas and feudatories governed subordinate territories under the Rashtrakuta monarchy.

Judicial authority

Rested with the king but delegated to various officials, guided by Dharmashastra principles.

Religious tolerance

A policy followed by the Rashtrakutas, extending patronage to multiple religious traditions including Jainism.

Tailapa II

The ruler who overthrew the last Rashtrakuta king around 973 CE, marking the end of the dynasty's supremacy.