The Tripartite Struggle, also known as the Tripartite War or the Struggle for Kannauj, took place in medieval India from the 8th to the 10th century. It was a conflict for control over the northern Indian region of Kannauj, which was seen as a prestigious and strategically important territory.

Background:
Kannauj was a prosperous region located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. It was known for its wealth, agricultural productivity, and political significance. The conflict arose due to the weakening of the dominant regional power, the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, which had controlled Kannauj for several centuries.

Parties Involved:
The Tripartite Struggle consisted of three major parties:

1. Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty: The Gurjara-Pratiharas were a Rajput dynasty that had ruled over a vast empire in northern India. However, internal conflicts and external invasions weakened their control over Kannauj.

2. Rashtrakuta Dynasty: The Rashtrakutas were a powerful dynasty from the Deccan region of India. They sought to expand their influence beyond the south and saw an opportunity in the political instability of Kannauj.

3. Palas of Bengal: The Pala dynasty was based in Bengal and had significant influence in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. They also aimed to extend their authority over Kannauj.

Key Events:
The Tripartite Struggle can be divided into three phases:

1. First Phase (c. 750-800 CE): The Gurjara-Pratiharas initially fought against the Arab invaders who sought to establish their control over northern India. They successfully repelled the Arab forces, but their resources were significantly depleted. The Rashtrakutas took advantage of this situation and attacked Kannauj, forcing the Gurjara-Pratiharas to retreat.

2. Second Phase (c. 800-900 CE): The Gurjara-Pratiharas, under the leadership of Nagabhata II, made a comeback and regained control over Kannauj. They expanded their territory and established a strong presence in central India. However, they faced continuous attacks from the Rashtrakutas and the Palas.

3. Third Phase (c. 900-1000 CE): The Rashtrakutas and the Palas continued their efforts to conquer Kannauj. In this phase, the power dynamics shifted frequently. The Gurjara-Pratiharas managed to hold on to Kannauj for some time, but eventually, they were defeated by the Rashtrakutas and the Palas.

Outcome:
The Tripartite Struggle resulted in the following outcomes:

1. Decline of the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty: The Gurjara-Pratiharas lost their dominance over Kannauj and gradually declined as a major power in northern India. However, they continued to hold smaller territories in central India.

2. Rashtrakuta Hegemony: The Rashtrakutas emerged as the dominant power in northern India for a brief period. They established their control over Kannauj and expanded their influence in the region.

3. Rise of Regional Powers: The Tripartite Struggle paved the way for the rise of regional powers such as the Cholas in the south and the Chaluk