The disintegration of the Pratihara empire in northern India, led to the emergence of which dynasties
Answers
Disintegration of the Pratihara
Many powerful empires arose in north India and the Deccan between 750-1000 AD. The Palas, the Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas were the most prominent. The Rashtrakuta Empire lasted the longest and was also the most powerful of its times. Pala Dynasty was founded by Gopala in 750 AD, who was a chieftain earlier but later became the king of Bengal. In fact, he was the first Buddhist king of Bengal. He had established his dominance after Gauda Dynasty lost its stronghold in Kamarupa.
The dynasty of Gurjar Pratiharas was founded by Harichandra in the 6th century AD. They remained influential till the 11th century AD. It is said that they originated from Ujjain or Mandsaur. Nagabhatta-I was the first important ruler of this dynasty. He ruled from 730 AD to 756 AD. His kingdom was including Gwalior, Bharuch, and Malwa. Awani was the capital of his kingdom.
Nagbhatta I’s achievement: He defeated Junaid, the Arab commander Junaid and his successor Taemin in the battle of Rajasthan. He successfully defended the western frontiers against Arab invasion.
Vastaraja succeeded Nagbhatta I as the new king and captured Kannuaj following his victory over Dharmapala, the king of Pala.
Nagabhatta II succeeded Vatsaraja around 805 AD. In fact, he was the most illustrious king of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. He is best known for rebuilding the Somnath Temple in 815 AD. The temple was destroyed by the Arab Armies of Junayad in 725 AD.
Mihirbhoja was the other important king of the dynasty. His reign lasted till 885 AD. He was a great empire builder. He annexed the territories of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan after fighting a series of victorious battles. He assumed the title of Adivaraha and built the Teli Mandir at the Gwalior.
However, the power of Gurjara Pratihara declined in the 10th century and their King Bhoja II was overthrown by Mahipala-I, a Pala King. Soon the empire disintegrated and the feudatories declared themselves independent.