Consider the roles of the three powers in the Tripartite Struggle:
1. The Gurjara-Pratiharas were the only power to consistently hold Kannauj throughout the struggle.
2. The Rashtrakutas, though based in the Deccan, frequently intervened in the struggle to assert their supremacy.
3. The Palas, after an initial period of strength, eventually lost their influence in the struggle for Kannauj.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Only 2 and 3.
Explanation:
☛ Statement 1 is incorrect: The control of Kannauj constantly changed hands among the three rival dynasties. No single power, including the Gurjara-Pratiharas, was able to hold Kannauj consistently throughout the two-century-long struggle.
☛ Statement 2 is correct: The Rashtrakutas were based in the Deccan (capital at Manyakheta), yet powerful rulers like Dhruva, Govinda III, and Indra III marched north, repeatedly defeated both the Palas and Pratiharas, and intervened to assert their imperial supremacy before retreating southward.
☛ Statement 3 is correct: Under Dharmapala and Devapala, the Pala dynasty gained immense power, briefly installed their nominee (Chakrayudha) on the throne of Kannauj, and held a grand imperial assembly. However, after Devapala's reign, the Palas declined and lost their hold over northern Indian politics.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The Tripartite Struggle took place roughly between the 8th and 10th centuries CE for control over the fertile Gangetic plains and the symbolic capital of Kannauj.
☛ The three major contenders were the Gurjara-Pratiharas of western India, the Palas of eastern India (Bengal and Bihar), and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan.
☛ Ultimately, the Gurjara-Pratihara king Nagabhata II established firm control over Kannauj, making it their imperial capital in the later phase.
☛ This prolonged conflict exhausted the resources of all three dynasties, contributing to their eventual decline and fragmentation.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the founder of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty? → Harichandra (with Nagabhata I establishing its prominence)
☛ Who founded the Pala dynasty of Bengal in 750 CE? → Gopala
☛ Who was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty? → Dantidurga
☛ Which Pala ruler held a grand durbar at Kannauj and took the title of 'Uttarapathasvamin'? → Dharmapala
☛ Which Arab traveler visited India during the reign of Gurjara-Pratihara king Mahipala I? → Al-Masudi