Rashtrakutas: Cultural Aspects | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

The Rashtrakuta Period: A Remarkable Era in Indian History

• Territorial Expansion: The Rashtrakutas were successful in expanding their territory significantly, showcasing their strength and influence across a vast region.
• Political Dominance: They established strong political control and dominance, which played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time.
• Military Strength: Their military capabilities were impressive, allowing them to defend their empire and expand it further when necessary.
• Diplomacy: The Rashtrakutas were also skilled in diplomacy, managing to maintain and expand their influence through strategic alliances and negotiations.
• Cultural Achievements: In addition to their political and military successes, the period was marked by significant achievements in culture, including advancements in language, literature, religion, and art.

Many of these accomplishments have enduring qualities, meaning they have lasting importance and relevance that goes beyond the specific time and place of the Rashtrakuta period. This era is remembered for its remarkable contributions to various fields that continue to be appreciated even today.

Cultural Contributions of the Rashtrakutas

Religion:

• Vaishnavas: The Rashtrakutas were mainly Vaishnavas, as shown by their symbol, the Garuda, and their frequent invocations to Vishnu in inscriptions.
• Religious Titles: Many kings held the title Veeranarayana, but they supported all religions of the time.
• Jainism: Jainism received exceptional patronage under the Vaishnava Rashtrakutas, marking a golden age for the faith. Historian Altekar noted that around 30% of Karnataka's society was Jain during this period.
• Shaivism and Buddhism: The Rashtrakutas also promoted Shaivism and Buddhism, exemplifying their religious tolerance.
• Amoghavarsha: A notable devotee of Goddess Mahalaxmi, he, along with other kings, made generous grants and endowments to various religious institutions.
• Temple Construction: The Rashtrakutas built numerous temples in places like Malkehda,Mudhola,Lakshmeshwar,Naregal,Jogeshwar, and Ellora.
• Yagnas and Yagas: Brahmanas were hired to perform these rituals, and the kings treated them with respect and generosity.
• Islamic Presence: By the 10th century, Jumma Masjids were present in the Rashtrakuta empire. Muslim communities thrived, especially in coastal towns like Kayalpattanam and Nagore. Muslim settlers often married local women, and their offspring, known as Mappilas (Moplahs), were engaged in horse trading and managing shipping fleets.

Literature:

• Kannada and Sanskrit Literature: The Rashtrakutas oversaw a transformative period in Kannada and Sanskrit literature, with a heightened emphasis on education.
• Educational Hub: During Krishna III's reign, Salotgi (in present-day Bijapur district) emerged as a prominent educational center, with a strong preference for Sanskrit literature.
• Notable Sanskrit Works: Significant literary contributions included Saktayana's Amoghavriti,Halayuda's Kavirahasya,Jinasena's Adipurana,Mahaviracharya's Ganitasarasangraha, and Trivikrama's Nalacharita.
• Kannada Literature's Dawn: The Rashtrakuta era marked the inception of Kannada literature. Notably,Kavirajamarga by Amoghavarsha was the first poetry written in Kannada.
• Amoghavarsha's Literary Impact: Beyond being a patron, Amoghavarsha was also a scholar who made significant contributions to literature.
• Prominent Poets: The era was defined by poets Pampa,Ranna, and Ponna, who made lasting contributions to Kannada literature.
• Pampa: Regarded as the first Kannada poet, he is known for works like Vikramarjuna Vijaya(Pampa Bharata) and Adipurana.
• Ponna: A court poet under Krishna III, he authored the Shanti Purana and was honored with the title Ubhaya Kavichakravarthi.
• Ranna: The court poet of Chalukya king Tailapa, a feudal lord of the Rashtrakutas.
• Jain Scholars: Many authors from this period were Jains, excelling in Prakrit, Kannada, and Sanskrit. This is a noteworthy aspect of the literature from this time.
• Kannada Language Appreciation: The Rashtrakutas had an unmatched affection for the Kannada language. Their inscriptions were primarily in Kannada, marking the end of the classical age of Sanskrit and Prakrit literature. This period also heralded the golden age of Kannada literature, which persisted until the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Pioneers of Kannada Literature: The Rashtrakutas played a crucial role in the evolution of Kannada literature, setting the stage for its flourishing in subsequent eras.

Architecture and the Arts

• Rashtrakuta sculptors and architects were highly regarded in ancient India for their exceptional works of art, which showcase a remarkable level of grace, refinement, and technical skill. They were master builders, capable of either carving mighty temples out of solid rock or constructing them from scratch. Under their benevolent patronage, numerous magnificent monuments and works of art came into existence.
• Visitors are often captivated by the breathtaking Ellora and Elephanta cave temples created by the Rashtrakutas. One of the most notable achievements is the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora, carved out of a single monolith during the reign of Krishna I. This remarkable feat is unprecedented in art history and stands as an architectural marvel. Renowned historian V. A. Smith praised it as one of the wonders of the world, a source of national pride and an honor to the king who sponsored its construction.
• Similarly, the Elephanta caves near Bombay, dating from the same era, represent the pinnacle of Rashtrakuta sculpture. The standout masterpiece of these caves is the “Trimurti” or “Mahesh Murthi,” showcasing the exceptional skill of the sculptors.
• In addition to these masterpieces, the Rashtrakutas constructed structural temples throughout their vast empire, including sites like Manyakheta, Pattadakkal, Mahakuta, Aihole, Badami, Belur, Sannathi, Rameswaram, and others. Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site associated with the Chalukyas of Badami, features temples built by the Rashtrakutas, including the Jain Narayana temple and the Kasivisvesvara temple.
• The magnificent Trikuteshwara temple at Gadag was originally constructed by the Rashtrakutas and later expanded by the Chalukyas of Kalyani. This temple, along with others, reflects the architectural prowess and artistic excellence of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Conclusion

• The Rashtrakuta Empire was the largest in the Deccan, bordered by the Kaveri River in the south, the Narmada River in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the west.
• Various branches of the empire, such as Vemulavada, Bodhan, and Gujarat, maintained independent authority while remaining subject to the main Rashtrakuta branch.
• The Rashtrakutas established a reliable administrative structure that significantly contributed to the empire's characteristics and served as a model for succeeding rulers.
• They supported Kannada writing, artwork, and construction, fostering cultural and artistic development.