UPSC CSE Prelims 2006

The Rashtrakuta Dynasty

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Rashtrakuta Empire was a dominant power in the Deccan between the 8th and 10th centuries. Its foundation marked the transition from Chalukyan to Rashtrakuta hegemony.

Explanation NCERT confirms that Dantidurga, a feudatory of the Chalukyas, performed the 'Hiranya-garbha' ritual to assert his sovereignty and established the dynasty with Manyakheta as a later capital.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Dantidurga (735-756 CE) defeated the Chalukya king Kirtivarman II to become the sovereign ruler.
Logic 2: While Krishna I built the Kailash Temple and Amoghavarsha was a great patron of literature, they were successors to the founder, Danti Durga.

Active Recall

Question

What ritual did Dantidurga perform to become a Kshatriya?

Answer

He performed the 'Hiranya-garbha' (golden womb) ritual, which was believed to lead to the 'rebirth' of the sacrificer as a Kshatriya.

Core Insight

The Rashtrakutas were unique for their simultaneous influence in North Indian politics (Tripartite struggle) and Deccan temple architecture.