The Early Medieval Period (800-1200 CE) saw the rise of regional kingdoms, the tripartite struggle for Kannauj, and the flourishing of South Indian dynasties. For OAS prelims, focus on the major dynasties, their founders, capitals, and key contributions, along with feudalism, economy, and art.
Political Developments: North India
The Tripartite Struggle
Between the 8th and 10th centuries, the Gurjar-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas fought for control over Kannauj. The struggle started with Vatsraja and ended with the Pratiharas. UPPSC (Pre) 2015
Gurjar-Pratihara Dynasty
Founded by Nagabhatta I, the real founder was Vatsraja. The greatest ruler was Mihirbhoja, who took the title 'Aadi Varaha'. The Gwalior inscription records his achievements. Raj Shekhara adorned the court of Mahendrapala I. Al-Masudi visited during Mahipala I. Their cavalry was considered the best in India. The last ruler Rajyapala surrendered to Mahmud Ghazni and was killed by Vidyadhar. UPRO/ARO 2018
The Pratiharas controlled western sea ports and imported quality horses from Arabia and Central Asia, giving them the best cavalry.
Gahadavala Dynasty
Founded by Chandradev, with Govindachandra as the greatest ruler. Their capital was Varanasi. Jaichand was defeated by the Ghurids. Rani Kumardevi built the Dharmachakra Jain Vihar at Sarnath. UPPSC (Mains) 2007
Chauhans (Chahamanas)
They were Suryavanshi Rajputs with capital at Shakambhari and territory called Sapadalaksha. Prithviraj III (Prithviraj Chauhan) is famous. He defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain. Prithviraj Raso was written by Chand Bardai, and Prithviraja Vijaya by Jayanaka. Ajmer was established by Ajayraj. BPSC (Pre) 1999
Chandelas
Founded by Nannuka, they were initially vassals of the Pratiharas. They built the Khajuraho temples in Nagara style using red sandstone. Aalha-Udal were related to Mahoba. They revived gold coins. MPPSC (Pre) 2010
Paramaras
Founded by Siyaka/Sriharsha. Raja Bhoja was the greatest ruler; he shifted his capital from Ujjain to Dhar, built the Tribhuvan Narayan temple at Chittor, wrote a book on artificial scientific equipment, and was called Kaviraja. The Bhojshala temple is dedicated to Saraswati. MPPSC 2020
Chalukyas of Gujarat (Solankis)
Founded by Mularaja, capital at Anahilavada. The Jain scholar Hemchandra adorned the court of Kumarapala. UPPSC (Pre) 2010
Palas and Senas
Palas: founded by Gopala. Dharmapala founded Vikramshila University and built Sompura Mahavihara. They patronised Buddhism. Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed Nalanda and Vikramshila. Senas: founded by Samanta Sena. Lakshman Sena started the Lakshman Era (1119 AD). UPPSC (Mains) 2015
Rashtrakutas
Founded by Dantidurga, who performed Hiranya-Garbha. Amoghavarsha was called one of the four great sovereigns by Sulaiman. They patronised Saivism and built the Kailasha temple at Ellora. They gave asylum to Zoroastrians. CDS 2007
Political Developments: South India
Vakatakas
Founded by Vindhyashakti. Pravarasena performed four Asvamedhas. They were a Brahmin dynasty with capital at Vatsagulma.
Chalukyas of Badami
Founded by Pulkeshin I. Pulkeshin II was the greatest ruler; he stopped Harsha's southward march on the Narmada. The Aihole inscription records his victory and mentions Kalidasa. Capital: Vatapi. SSC 2013
Pallavas
Founded by Simhavishnu. They built the Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram. The struggle with Chalukyas started under Mahendravarman I. SSC CGL 2020
Cholas
Founded by Vijayalaya. Capital: Tanjore. Rajaraja I built the Brihadeswara temple (Shiva). Rajendra I conquered Ceylon and took the title Gangaikondachola. The Uthiramerur inscription provides details of village administration. The Chola administration is known for autonomous village assemblies. RAS/RTS (Pre) 2016
- The Brihadeswara temple is dedicated to Shiva, not Vishnu.
- Chandelas were vassals of Pratiharas, not Paramaras.
- Rajendra I, not Rajaraja I, conquered Ceylon and took the title Gangaikondachola.
Administration, Economy, and Society
Feudalism and Land Grants
The growth of land grants led to feudalism. Feudatories had obligations like attendance at court, payment of tribute, and maintenance of troops. The terms Kulyavapa and Dronavapa denote land measurement. IAS (Pre) 2020
Economy and Trade
Trade declined due to disturbed conditions, sea piracy, and restrictions. Merchant guilds like Manigramam and Ayyavole were powerful. Araghatta refers to a waterwheel used for irrigation. IAS (Pre) 2016
Society and Religion
The caste system became rigid. Untouchables included Chandal, Rajak, Nat. Shankaracharya established four Mathas at Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Sringeri. Ramanuja and Chaitanya were later Bhakti saints. UPPSC 2006
Art and Architecture
Temple Architecture
The Nagara style flourished. Khajuraho temples by Chandelas, Sun temple at Konark, and Brihadeswara temple at Tanjore are examples. The Kailasha temple at Ellora was built by Rashtrakutas. UPPSC (Pre) 1992
Literature
Rajatarangini by Kalhana is a history of Kashmir. Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai, Prithviraja Vijaya by Jayanaka. Kavirajamarga by Amoghavarsha is the earliest Kannada book on poetics. MPPSC (Pre) 2012
OAS vs UPSC: Focus Areas
| Aspect | OAS Prelims | UPSC |
|---|---|---|
| Question style | Direct, factual, matching | Analytical, statement-based |
| Focus | Founders, capitals, titles, inscriptions | Feudalism, social change, art and architecture |
| PYQ example | Mihirbhoja's title, Chola village administration | Feudal system elements, women's status |
Practice Questions
Who founded the Gurjar-Pratihara dynasty?
- Nagabhatta I
- Vatsraj
- Harshavardhana
- Mihirbhoja
Show answer
(a) - Nagabhatta I founded the dynasty. SSC CGL 2015
Who is called the Napoleon of Ancient India?
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Pushyamitra
- Kanishka
- Samudragupta
Show answer
(d) - Samudragupta is called the Napoleon of Ancient India. BPSC 2015
Who built the Khajuraho temples?
- Holkars
- Scindias
- Bundela
- Chandelas
Show answer
(d) - The Chandelas built the Khajuraho temples. SSC 2008
Who founded the Pala Dynasty?
- Dharmapala
- Deopala
- Gopala
- Ramapala
Show answer
(c) - Gopala founded the Pala dynasty. UPPSC (Mains) 2015
Who assumed the title of 'Gangaikondachola'?
- Rajendra I
- Rajaraja I
- Rajadhiraja I
- Kulotunga I
Show answer
(a) - Rajendra I assumed the title. WBCS 2018
The great Jain scholar Hemchandra adorned the court of:
- Amoghavarsha
- Kumarapala
- Jaysimha Siddharaja
- Vidhyadhara
Show answer
(b) - Hemchandra adorned the court of Kumarapala. UPPSC (Pre) 2010
The Arab traveller Sulaiman called which ruler 'among the four great sovereigns of the world'?
- Amoghavarsha, Rashtrakuta
- Nandivarman, Pallava
- Rajendra I, Chola
- Vira and Sundara, Pandya
Show answer
(a) - Sulaiman called Amoghavarsha of the Rashtrakutas one of the four great sovereigns. UPPSC (Pre) 2015
During the Rajput period, the expression 'Vinay-Stithi-Sthapak' was used in administration for:
- Chief of the Army
- Chief of the Treasury
- Manager of the Palace
- Chief of the Court
Show answer
(b) - Vinay-Stithi-Sthapak was the Chief of the Treasury. OPSC 2018