- Rashtrakutas: The Rashtrakutas emerged as a powerful dynasty in the Deccan region, ruling from c. 753 to 982 CE.
 - They were originally feudatories of the Chalukyas before Dantidurga established their independence.
 - Their capital was at Manyakheta (modern Malkhed in Karnataka).
 - Rashtrakutas were known for their patronage of art, literature, and architecture.
 - The Kailasa temple at Ellora, carved out of a single rock, is a masterpiece of Rashtrakuta architecture.
 - The Rashtrakutas had extensive military campaigns in North and South India, including successful raids into Kannauj.
 - Their rulers like Krishna I and Amoghavarsha I were notable for administrative efficiency and cultural contributions.
 - Amoghavarsha I wrote "Kavirajamarga," the earliest known Kannada literary work.
 - Rashtrakutas maintained extensive trade links with the Arab world and Southeast Asia.
 - Their coinage reflects a blend of indigenous and Persian influences.
 - The Rashtrakutas promoted both Jainism and Hinduism, showcasing religious tolerance.
 - The Rashtrakutas declined due to internal conflicts and pressure from the Cholas and other emerging powers.
 - Pallavas: The Pallavas ruled primarily in the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh regions between c. 275 and 897 CE.
 - They were known for their contributions to Dravidian architecture.
 - Their capital was Kanchipuram, a major center of learning and culture.
 - Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) were among their most significant rulers.
 - The Pallavas constructed rock-cut temples and monolithic Rathas at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).
 - Their art and architecture influenced subsequent South Indian dynasties.
 - They were patrons of Sanskrit and Tamil literature.
 - The Pallavas faced constant conflict with the Chalukyas of Badami and later with the Cholas.
 - The dynasty's decline began in the late 9th century, paving the way for the rise of the Cholas.
 - Pallava inscriptions provide valuable historical insights into their administration and achievements.
 - Their naval activities played a role in the cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia.
 - Cholas: The Cholas became a dominant power in South India between c. 850 and 1279 CE.
 - They initially rose to prominence under Vijayalaya Chola, who captured Tanjore.
 - Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I marked the golden age of Chola rule.
 - Rajaraja Chola I constructed the Brihadeeswarar Temple (Periya Kovil) at Thanjavur.
 - Rajendra Chola I expanded the empire to Southeast Asia and led a naval expedition to the Srivijaya kingdom.
 - The Cholas excelled in administration, introducing efficient revenue systems and local self-government through village assemblies.
 - Their architecture, especially temples, is renowned for grandeur and intricacy.
 - The Cholas were great patrons of Tamil literature and the arts.
 - They contributed significantly to maritime trade and cultural exchange in the Indian Ocean region.
 - The Chola navy was one of the strongest in the medieval world, ensuring dominance over sea trade routes.
 - Bronze sculptures of the Chola period, especially the Nataraja, are considered masterpieces of Indian art.
 - The dynasty's administration included a detailed system of land revenue and irrigation management.
 - The Cholas also encouraged temple-based economic activities, making temples central to socio-economic life.
 - The dynasty declined in the 13th century due to invasions and internal strife.
 - Chola inscriptions, like the Uttaramerur inscription, provide insights into their governance and village assembly system.
 
Questions
- Which Rashtrakuta king defeated the Pallavas and Pandyas?
 - The Rashtrakutas were originally feudatories of which dynasty?
 - Who was the greatest ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?
 - The famous Kailasa temple at Ellora was built by which Rashtrakuta ruler?
 - The Pallava dynasty had its capital at:
 - Which Pallava king built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
 - The Chola Empire reached its zenith under which ruler?
 - The famous Brihadeshwara Temple was built by which Chola king?
 - The Rashtrakutas were known for their patronage of which language?
 - The Pallavas were primarily followers of which religion?
 - Which Rashtrakuta king invaded North India and defeated the Gurjara-Pratiharas?
 - The Pallavas were defeated by which Chola king?
 - The Cholas conducted a famous naval expedition against which region?
 - The Rashtrakutas primarily ruled over which region of India?
 - Which Rashtrakuta ruler wrote "Kavirajamarga"?
 - The Pallavas are credited with the development of which architectural style?
 - Which Chola king assumed the title "Gangaikonda Chola"?
 - The Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I defeated which northern king?
 - The Rashtrakutas were overthrown by which dynasty?
 - The famous Airavateswara Temple was built during the reign of which dynasty?
 - The Chola administration is best known for its:
 - The Pallava script served as the basis for scripts in which region?
 - Who is considered the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?
 - The Pallavas were patrons of which classical Indian dance form?
 - The Chola Empire controlled which major port city?
 - The Pallavas were succeeded by which dynasty in Tamil Nadu?
 - Which Rashtrakuta king patronized Jainism extensively?
 - The Rashtrakutas are mentioned in which famous Arab traveler’s accounts?
 - The Cholas were known for their bronze sculptures of which deity?
 - The famous Mahabalipuram rock-cut temples were commissioned by which Pallava king?
 - Which Rashtrakuta king expanded his empire to include Kannauj?
 - The Pallava dynasty's founder was:
 - The Chola Empire was established by which ruler?