[Solved] Rashtrakuta Govind III vs Pratihara Nagabhatta II

Which among the following Rashtrakuta King defeated Pratihara ruler Nagabhatta II?

[Uttarakhand PCS Prelims 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Tripartite struggle saw frequent southward and northward movements. The Rashtrakutas often intervened in North Indian politics to prevent any single power from controlling Kannauj.

Authentic Source Evidence

Govinda III (r. 793–814 CE) launched a spectacular northern campaign around 800 CE. He decisively defeated the Gurjara-Pratihara king Nagabhatta II and the Pala king Dharmapala, establishing Rashtrakuta dominance as far as the Himalayas.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option B is correct. Govinda III is considered one of the greatest Rashtrakuta emperors for his wide-ranging military successes.

Logic 2: While Dhruva also defeated Pratiharas, it was specifically Govinda III who crushed the revived power of Nagabhatta II.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did the Rashtrakutas usually retreat after their northern victories?"

They were primarily interested in asserting their supremacy and collecting tribute rather than the direct long-term administration of North India.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Govinda III's reign marks the period when a Deccan power successfully dictated terms to the major dynasties of both Northern and Eastern India."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kannauj 7 Dharmapala 5 Gurjara-Pratihara 2

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