The Tripartite Struggle, also known as the Tripartite War or the Struggle for Kannauj, was a period of intense conflict and political instability in medieval India. It took place between the mid-8th century and the early 10th century CE. The struggle involved three major parties: the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas.


The Gurjara-Pratiharas were a dynasty that ruled a large part of northern India during this period. They were a powerful Rajput clan and established their capital in Kannauj, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh. The Gurjara-Pratiharas were known for their military prowess and effective administration. They controlled a vast empire that extended from Gujarat in the west to Bengal in the east. Raja Bhoja, a prominent ruler of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, played a significant role in the Tripartite Struggle.


The Palas were a dynasty that ruled over the eastern part of India, primarily in Bengal and Bihar. They were known for their patronage of art, literature, and Buddhism. The Palas also had a strong navy and controlled important ports along the Ganges River. Dharmapala, a powerful ruler of the Palas, sought to expand his influence and played a crucial role in the Tripartite Struggle.


The Rashtrakutas were a dynasty that held power in the Deccan region of southern India. They were known for their military strength and architectural achievements, particularly in the rock-cut temples of Ellora. The Rashtrakutas were ruled by several powerful kings, including Dantidurga and Krishna I. They aimed to expand their empire northwards and participated actively in the Tripartite Struggle.


The Tripartite Struggle involved the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas. These three dynasties fought for control over Kannauj, which was considered a highly prestigious and strategically important city. The struggle ultimately led to a weakening of these empires and paved the way for the rise of other regional powers in medieval India.

After the death of Harshvardhan in 648 CE,his capital, the city of Kannauj, remained the symbol of imperial power and was coveted by three powerful dynasties- the gurjara Pratiharas of Western India, The Rashtrakutas of Deccan, and the Palas of Bengal. Kannauj was of great strategic importance, as whoever controlled it also controlled the rich and fertile Ganga plains.The city was so battered by two centuries of conflict that it never rose again and this state of constant warfare also weakened the three dynasties.
Later,, the historians, called this as tripartite struggle.

It was called a political history because the three dynasties were at constant war to control that area after Harshvardhan 's death.