Introduction

The Tripartite Struggle, also called the Kannauj Triangle Wars, was a long conflict that lasted for about two centuries (8th-9th century AD). It involved three major Indian dynasties: the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas. They all fought to control the city of Kannauj, which was a symbol of power, prestige, and economic prosperity due to its location on the Silk Road. Ultimately, the Pratihara dynasty, under Emperor Nagabhata II, emerged victorious and made Kannauj their capital.

Background

Kannauj was once the capital of Emperor Harshavardhana’s empire, making it a politically significant city. Controlling Kannauj also meant controlling the Central Gangetic valley, a rich and resourceful region. This made the city a prime target for various rulers, including the Palas (who ruled eastern India), the Pratiharas (who controlled western and north-central India), and the Rashtrakutas (who dominated the Deccan region). The rulers of Kannauj during this period, such as Indrayudha, Vijrayudha, and Chakrayudha, were weak and unable to defend the city, leading to repeated invasions.

The Three Dynasties Involved

1. Rashtrakutas:
   • The name “Rashtrakuta” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “country” (Rashtra) and “chieftain” (Kuta).
   • They may have been descendants of Emperor Ashoka.
   • Their rise to power began in 753 AD when Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas of Badami.
   • Eventually, they became the dominant power in the Deccan region.
2. Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty:
   • They claimed descent from Lakshmana (brother of Lord Rama) and were referred to as “Pratihara” or “doorkeepers.”
   • Nagabhata I (730-760 AD) was the founder of the dynasty.
   • They ruled from the 8th to the 11th century, with Mihir Bhoja being one of their greatest kings.
3. Pala Dynasty:
   • After the death of King Shashanka, anarchy spread in Bengal, leading to the rise of the Palas.
   • Gopala was elected king in 750 AD, marking the beginning of the Pala Empire.
   • Dharmapala, one of their most powerful rulers, expanded the empire and established Buddhist universities like Vikramashila and Odantapuri.

Causes of the Tripartite Struggle

• Political Significance: Kannauj was historically important and symbolized dominance over northern India.
• Economic Benefits: The city was on the Silk Road, making it a key center for trade and commerce.
• Weak Local Rulers: Kannauj’s rulers were unable to defend it, making it an easy target for powerful neighboring empires.
• Rashtrakutas’ Interest: They wanted to plunder wealth through warfare rather than establish long-term rule.

Phases of the Conflict

Phase I (Around 790 AD)

• Dharmapala (Pala Empire) and Vatsaraja (Pratihara Empire) fought for control of Kannauj.
• Vatsaraja defeated Dharmapala at Prayag but was later defeated by Dhruva, the Rashtrakuta ruler.
• Dharmapala took advantage of Rashtrakuta’s retreat and reinstalled his puppet ruler, Chakrayudha, in Kannauj.

Phase II

• Nagabhata II (Pratihara) invaded Kannauj, removed Chakrayudha, and took control.
• Dharmapala opposed him but was defeated in the battle of Munger.
• Govinda III (Rashtrakuta ruler) intervened, defeated Nagabhata II, and claimed victory.
• However, the Rashtrakutas had to retreat to defend their own empire, leaving Kannauj without a strong ruler.
• Over time, both the Rashtrakutas and the Palas weakened, allowing the Pratiharas to finally emerge victorious.

Impact of the Tripartite Struggle

1. Pratihara Control of the North: Nagabhata II made Kannauj the Pratihara capital, and later, Mihir Bhoja consolidated their rule.
2. Decline of Rashtrakutas and Palas: The long wars exhausted all three dynasties, leading to their gradual decline.
3. Rise of Local Powers: Weaker control over territories led to the rise of independent states and feudal lords.
4. Foreign Invasions: The weakened political state made it easier for later invasions, including Mahmud of Ghazni’s conquest of Kannauj in 1018 AD.

Notable Rulers During the Conflict

• Devapala (Pala Dynasty, 810-850 AD): Expanded control over Odisha and Assam.
• Mihir Bhoja (Pratihara Dynasty, 836-885 AD): Recovered Kannauj and expanded the empire to Kashmir.
• Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta Dynasty, 814-878 AD): Stabilized his kingdom and promoted Jainism.

Decline of the Tripartite Struggle

• Weak Rulers: Later kings lacked the strength to hold the empire together.
• Feudal Independence: Many local rulers declared independence from their respective dynasties.
• Ghazni’s Attacks: Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions weakened the already fragile Pratihara and Pala empires.
• Rise of the Cholas: The Chola dynasty in the south gained power, further shifting the political balance in India.

Sources of Information

• Ellora Record and Saman Garh Inscription describe Rashtrakuta history.
• Gwalior Prashasti mentions Mihir Bhoja’s achievements.
• Rajatarangini (by Kalhana) states that Mihir Bhoja’s rule extended to Kashmir.
• Arab Traveler Al-Masudi’s Accounts describe the Pratihara rule over Gujarat.

Conclusion

The Tripartite Struggle was a long and intense conflict over Kannauj, involving three of India’s most powerful dynasties. Though the Pratiharas eventually won, all three dynasties suffered heavy losses. Their decline weakened northern India, paving the way for future invasions by Islamic rulers from the Middle East. This struggle played a significant role in shaping medieval Indian history, influencing the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms.