[Solved] Who founded the Rashtrakuta Empire? | Danti Durga

Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2006]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What ritual did Dantidurga perform to become a Kshatriya?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

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