Post-Gupta and Regional Kingdoms (c. 550–1200 CE)

Cultural and Religious Developments

Temple Architecture: The period saw the evolution of Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles of temple architecture.
Bhakti Movement: The rise of devotional movements focused on Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti, promoting personal devotion.
Buddhist Decline: Decline in royal patronage led to a reduction in Buddhist influence in India.
Tantric Practices: Emerged in both Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing rituals and esoteric practices.

The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was known for its resistance to Arab invasions, especially under Nagabhata I.
The Pratiharas were instrumental in defending western and northern India from external threats.
Raja Mihira Bhoja was a prominent ruler of the Pratiharas, known for his administrative and military achievements.
Kannauj was the capital of the Pratiharas and a significant center during the Tripartite Struggle.
The Tripartite Struggle involved the Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas vying for control

Rashtrakutas: The Rashtrakutas emerged as a powerful dynasty in the Deccan region, ruling from c.

Harsha Vardhana ascended the throne of Thanesar in 606 CE after the death of his brother, Rajyavardhana.
Harsha united the regions of Thanesar, Kannauj, and other territories to establish a strong empire in northern India.
His empire extended from the Himalayas in the north to the Narmada River in the south, and from Bengal in the east to Gujarat in the west.
Kannauj became the political and cultural cen