Learn about the Tripartite Struggle of Kannauj between the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas, a pivotal conflict in medieval Indian history. This article explores the causes, phases, and impact of the struggle for control over Kannauj.

• The Tripartite Struggle took place between three great Indian dynasties – the Palas, the Prathiharas, and Rashtrakutas in the 8th and 9th centuries for control over the Kannauj area of northern India. The struggle is also known as the Kannauj Triangle Wars.
• The Palas ruled India's eastern regions (Bengal region), while the Pratiharas oversaw India's western regions (Avanti-Jalaor region) and the Deccan area of India was dominated by the Rashtrakutas. This war lasted for two centuries and was finally won by the Rajput Prathihara emperor Nagabhata II, who established the city as the capital of the Pratihara state, which ruled for nearly three centuries.

Causes of Tripartite Struggle

• During the early medieval period, Kannauj was seen as a sign of status and authority.
• Kannauj was the former capital of Harshvardhana's empire and control of it represented the political domination over northern India.
• Control of Kannauj also meant control of the Central Gangetic valley, which was rich in resources and hence strategically and commercially significant.
• Because it was connected to the silk road, this location was ideal for trade and commerce.
• Between the end of the eighth century and the first quarter of the ninth century, three kings ruled over Kannauj: Indrayudha, Vijrayudha, and Chakrayudha. These kings were very weak and could be easily defeated.
• The desire to plunder through warfare attracted the Rashtrakutas to Kannauj.

Tripartite Struggle - Phase I

• A tripartite struggle occurred between the Pala, Prathiharas, and Rashtrakuta dynasties for control of Kanauj.
• The first phase of the tripartite struggle began around 790 AD with a clash between Dharmapala and Vatsaraja.
• The battle between Dharmapala and the Pratihara king Vatsaraja at Prayag resulted in the defeat of Dharmapala.
• After some time Vatsaraja was defeated by Rashtrakuta king Dhruva.
• Dharmapala took control of Kannauj after Vatsaraja's fall, but he was again defeated by Dhruva.
• Dhruva, on the other hand, was unable to consolidate his victory because he needed to return to the south to save his own kingdom.
• Rashtrakutas were devastated by a succession struggle after Dhruva's death in 793 CE.
• By quickly withdrawing from Northern India, the Rashtrakutas not only decimated the Palas' adversaries, the Pratiharas, but also provided the Palas with a good opportunity to add to their might.
• Dharmapala took advantage of the situation and recovered Kannauj, putting Chakrayudha on the throne.
• Dharmapala, via a series of successful expeditions, established himself as the lord of virtually all of Northern India.

Tripartite Struggle - Phase II

• Pratihara ruler Nagabhatta II, the successor of Vatsaraja, invaded Kanauj and expelled its ruler Chakrayudha and established control there.
• As Chakrayudha was Dharmapala's protege, a battle between Nagabhatta II and Dharmapala was inevitable.
• Nagabhatta II defeated Dharmapala in a battle near Munger.
• After Nagabhata II took possession of Kannauj, the battle for the city intensified.
• His victory was short-lived, as he was soon overthrown by Govinda III (Rashtrakuta king), the successor of Dhruva.
• Govinda III left for the Deccan soon after this victory.
• By the end of the 9th century, the Rashtrakutas' power had begun to wane alongside that of the Palas.
• The Prathiharas emerged victoriously and established themselves as the rulers of central India by the end of the tripartite struggle.

Conclusion

• The tripartite conflict between the three great Indian dynasties, the Palas, the Pratiharas, and the Rashtrakutas, for control over the Kannauj area, lasted for two centuries.
• In the end, Pratiharas emerged victoriously and established themselves as the rulers of central India.
• However, the tripartite struggle rendered all three dynasties feeble. This led to the country's political breakdown, which aided the Middle Eastern Islamic invaders.

FAQs

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