The empire that acted as a bridge between North and South India during the medieval period was the Rashtrakuta Empire.

The Rashtrakuta Empire was a powerful dynasty that ruled a large part of the Indian subcontinent from the 6th to the 10th century CE. They emerged as a prominent power in the Deccan region of South India and expanded their influence to include parts of North India as well.

During this period, India was divided into multiple regional kingdoms, and there was often conflict and rivalry between the North and the South. The Rashtrakutas, however, played a crucial role in bridging this divide and establishing political and cultural connections between the two regions.

Key Points:

1. Rise of the Rashtrakutas: The Rashtrakuta dynasty was founded by Dantidurga in the mid-6th century CE. Initially, they were vassals of the Chalukya dynasty, but they gradually gained independence and went on to become a dominant power in their own right.

2. Expanding Influence: The Rashtrakutas expanded their empire through military conquests and strategic alliances. They established their capital at Manyakheta (present-day Malkhed in Karnataka) and controlled large parts of present-day Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

3. Relations with North India: The Rashtrakutas maintained diplomatic ties with the North Indian kingdoms and even established matrimonial alliances with them. They forged alliances with the Gurjara-Pratiharas, who were powerful rulers in North India, through intermarriages. This helped in fostering political and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

4. Cultural Exchange: The Rashtrakutas patronized arts, literature, and architecture. They had close ties with the famous Kailasa temple at Ellora, which is a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture. They also had cultural interactions with the Cholas, Chalukyas, and other regional powers.

5. Decline and Legacy: The Rashtrakuta Empire started declining in the 10th century due to internal conflicts and external invasions. However, their contributions to art, literature, and architecture left a lasting impact on Indian culture. The Chalukyas and the Cholas, who succeeded the Rashtrakutas, also played significant roles in bridging the North-South divide.

In conclusion, the Rashtrakuta Empire acted as a bridge between North and South India during the medieval period. Through their military prowess, diplomatic alliances, and patronage of arts and culture, they helped in establishing connections and fostering exchanges between the two regions.