UPSC Prelims 2006 Q117: Ancient History – Post - Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties
Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire?
- (a) Amoghavarsha I
- (b) Dantidurga
- (c) Dhruva
- (d) Krishna I
Answer: (b) Dantidurga
Explanation
Founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire
| Ruler | Role |
|---|---|
| Amoghavarsha I | Great Rashtrakuta king (814-878), patron of literature |
| Dantidurga | Founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire (c. 735-756) |
| Dhruva | Expanded the empire northwards |
| Krishna I | Built the Kailasa temple at Ellora |
Dantidurga laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta Empire by defeating the Chalukyas of Badami.
Answer: (b) Dantidurga.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Amoghavarsha I was a later king, not the founder.
- (b) CORRECT. Dantidurga founded the Rashtrakuta Empire in the mid-8th century.
- (c) Incorrect. Dhruva was a later ruler who expanded the empire.
- (d) Incorrect. Krishna I succeeded Dantidurga and built the Kailasa temple.
Key point
Dantidurga founded the Rashtrakuta Empire in the middle of the 8th century by overthrowing the Chalukyas of Badami.
Remember
Dantidurga founded the Rashtrakuta Empire.
Common mistakes
- Naming Amoghavarsha, the best-known Rashtrakuta king, as founder.
- Confusing Krishna I's Kailasa temple with the dynasty's founding.
- Mixing Rashtrakutas with the Pala and Pratihara dynasties.
Exam tip
Rashtrakutas: Dantidurga (founder), Krishna I (Kailasa temple), Amoghavarsha I (Kavirajamarga).
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Rashtrakuta dynasty
- NCERT Class VII History — Our Pasts II — New Kings and Kingdoms