Tripartite Struggle: In the eighth century, three powerful Indian empires fought with one another for dominance and control over the central Gangetic valley, a conflict known as the Tripartite Conflict. The Rastrakutas, the Palas, and the Pratiharas were these three empires. The Avanti-Jalaor region of western India is where the Pratiharas made their home. They were primarily from the Deccan region.
In this article, we will look into the meaning, history, causes, phase I, phase II, and consequences of the Tripartite Struggle. Let’s start.
Tripartite Struggle
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What was the Tripartite Struggle?
The term “Tripartite Struggle” in northern India describes the time of political unrest that took place during the time of 8th-9th centuries followed by the conflict that led to the fall of Harsha’s empire. During this period the three main empires of Rashtrakuta, Pratihara, and Pala were fighting with one another to occupy Kannauj.
| Dynasty | Capital | Territory | Key Figures | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cholas | Thanjavur | Tamil Nadu | Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I | 9th – 13th century |
| Pandyas | Madurai | Tamil Nadu | Maravarman Sundara Pandya I | 6th – 14th century |
| Cheras | Kodungallur | Kerala | Kulashekhara Alwar | 9th – 12th century |
The Tripartite War, often referred to as the Kannauj Triangle Wars, broke out between the Pratihara, Pala, and Rashtrakuta empires for control over the area of northern India, Kannauj.
The Pala King Dharmpala fought against the Parithara King Vatsaraja for control of Kannauj. After winning, Vatsaraja was vanquished by Dhurva-I, King of Rashtrakuta. Dharmpala again took Kannauj after Dhruva-I returned to the south, although his rule was only temporary. A tripartite fight among kingdoms for control of Kannauj went on for about two centuries.
Tripartite Struggle History
Regarding Kannauj, Vatsaraja, the ruler of Pratihara, had high ambitions. Similarly, Kannauj was the desire of Dharmapala, the Pala king. Consequently, a struggle arose between these two kings. In a battle at Gangetic Doab, Vatsaraja vanquished Dharmapala. Simultaneously, the Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruva vanquished Vatsaraja. Moreover, Dhruva vanquished Dharmapala. Ultimately, this intense animosity resulted in a tripartite conflict between the Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Pratiharas.
Tripartite Struggle Main Reason
Situated along the Ganga commerce route, Kannauj was linked to the Silk Route. Kannauj gained significant strategic and commercial importance as a result. It was also the former capital of the Indian empire Harshvardhana. In order to capitalise on Kannauj’s enormous strategic and economic potential, the three Kingdoms waged war on one another.
Causes of Tripartite Struggle
The causes of Tripartite Struugle are mentioned below:
Empire Disintegration
Harsha’s passing in the middle of the 7th century left northern India without a political leader. The Harsha Empire broke apart into smaller regional organisations due to the lack of a powerful central government. Pratihar and Rashtrakuta fought it out for control of Malwa and Gujarat, while the Pala and Pratihars fought it out for control of the upper Ganga Valley.
Economic Factors
- The desire to possess the city of Kannauj was one of the most important factor of tripartite struggle.
- Fall of the Gupta Empire and the end of the Silk Road contributed to the breakdown of trade channels, which in turn affected the region’s prosperity
- Conflicts between local leaders over resources increased which finally led to economic hardships.
- The goal of becoming Sakalottarpathanath, or “lord of all Uttarpath,” drew the Rashtrakutas to Kannauj. Parallel to this, the Palas aspired to be called Uttarpathaswami, or the lord of Uttarpath.
Rise of Feudal Chieftains
The rise of feudal chieftains was hindered by the direct rule of the king by vassal rulers and independent chiefs. They also fought several wars that divided political power and prevented the establishment of a single powerful kingdom. The Rashtrakutas were in constant combat with the Vengi vassal chiefs, and the Pratiharas were in constant conflict with the Malwa Paramars.
Tripartite Struggle – Phase I
To occupy and control Kannauj a three-way battle started between the Rashtrakuta, Pala, and Prathihara dynasties. The initial stage of this struggle started in 790 AD with a fight between Dharmapala and Vatsaraja.
- Dharmapala was vanquished in the battle at Prayag by the Pratihara king Vatsaraja.
- Vatsaraja eventually lost to Dhruva, the ruler of Rashtrakuta.
- Following Vatsaraja’s defeat, Dharmapala assumed control of Kannauj, but Dhruva again vanquished him.
- However, because he had to go back to the south in order to preserve his own country, Dhruva was unable to solidify his victory.
- Following Dhruva’s demise in 793 CE, a succession dispute decimated the Rashtrakutas.
- The Palas were given a great chance to strengthen their position when the Rashtrakutas swiftly withdrew from Northern India, destroying their rivals, the Pratiharas.
- Using the circumstances to his advantage, Dharmapala restored Kannauj and installed Chakrayudha as king.
- Through a string of triumphant expeditions, Dharmapala made a name for himself as the ruler of almost all of Northern India.
Tripartite Struggle – Phase II
Nagabhatta II, the heir apparent to Vatsaraja, invaded Kanauj, drove out Chakrayudha , the ruler of that region, and took power.
- Since Chakrayudha was Dharmapala’s apprentice, a conflict between Dharmapala and Nagabhatta II was unavoidable.
- In a fight at Munger, Dharmapala was vanquished by Nagabhatta II.
- The fight for Kannauj increased once Nagabhata II grabbed control of the city.
- His reign was brief, since Govinda III, the Rastrakuta king and Dhruva’s successor, quickly toppled him.
- After this triumph, Govinda III quickly departed for the Deccan.
- Rastrakuta and Palas power started to decline together by the end of the 9th century.
- At the end the Pratiharas dynasty emerged as victors and asserted their control over central India.
Consequences of the Tripartite Struggle
As a result of the struggle between three empires led the regions open to both internal uprisings and foreign invasions.
Consolidation of Regional Forces
- The eastern Pala Empire, the western Pratihara Empire, and the eastern Rashtrakuta Empire became the dominant regional forces in the Deccan.
- The political power and regional growth were reinforced by each dynasty.
Constant Demand for Resources to Fund Military Campaigns
The empires’ economic bases were constantly under pressure.
Cultural and Religious Diversity
- The three-way conflict made it possible to preserve and advance a variety of cultural and religious traditions. As a result, several regions developed unique cultural identities that added to the rich history of India.
- Dharmpala brought back to life the Nalanda University.
Military Advancements
- Leaders have made investments in military strategies and advancements as a result of the ongoing hostilities.
- As kings attempted to protect their lands, this era saw advancements in maritime, cavalry, and fortification technologies.
Art and Architecture
- Temples, statues, and other architectural wonders reflecting regional styles were built as a result of local rulers’ patronage of the arts.
- The Rashtrakuta Kings constructed the well-known Shiva rock-cut temple at Ellora.
Prathihara Capital and the End of the Struggle
After Devapala crushed the Pala empire under Narayanapala’s rule, Mihir Bhoja, the grandson of Nagabhata II, king of Prathihara, established Kannauj as the capital of his kingdom. The Pratihara empire peaked under King Mahendrapala I, son of Mihir Bhoja, but afterwards it gradually started to wane due to its ongoing conflict with the Arabs to the west, the Palas to the east, and the Rashtrakutas to the south of their territory. Between 914 and 916 CE, Kannauj was under the rule of Rhastrakuta King Indra III. The Pratihara dynasty ruled Kannauj until King Yashpala’s death in 1036, despite the city being devastated by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1018 CE.
Conclusion on Tripartite Struggle
Political, economic, religious, and cultural elements interacted intricately throughout the tripartite conflict in northern India. Although it resulted in localised governance and political fragmentation, it also promoted cultural diversity and set the stage for the later regional powers that moulded mediaeval India’s history.
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FAQs on Tripartite Struggle
What is meant by tripartite struggle?
The Tripartite Struggle was a three-way struggle between the Pratihara Empire, the Pala Empire and the Rashtrakuta Empire. The Tripartite struggle was for the control of Northern India in the 9th century. Ultimately the Pratiharas emerged victorious.
Which king won the tripartite struggle?
Ruler Nagabhata II won the tripartite struggle. This tripartite struggle for Kannauj continued for almost two hundred years and its result finally ended in favor of the Gurjara-Pratihara ruler Nagabhata II who made Kannauj the capital of the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom.
Who were the three parties involved in the tripartite struggle?
The Tripartite Struggle for control of northern India took place in the ninth century. The struggle was between the Pratihara Empire, the Pala Empire and the Rashtrakuta Empire.
Who started tripartite struggle?
For control of Kanauj, the Pala, Prathihara, and Rashtrakuta dynasties engaged in a three-way battle. The tripartite conflict began around 790 AD with a clash between Dharmapala and Vatsaraja. Dharmapala was defeated in the battle at Prayag between him and the Pratihara king Vatsaraja.
Who won Kannauj in tripartite struggle?
Gurjara-Pratihara ruler Nagabhata II won Kannauj in tripartite struggle. This tripartite struggle for Kannauj lingered for almost two centuries and ultimately ended in favour of the Gurjara-Pratihara ruler Nagabhata II who made the city the capital of the Gurjara-Pratihara state, which ruled for nearly three centuries.