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Amoghavarsha was succeeded by his son Krishna II (C. 878-914 A.D.). His rule was marked by protracted wars against the Gurjara-Pratihara ruler Bhoja I and also against the Vengi Chalukya Kingdom. The Rashtrakuta forces met with mixed fortunes in these encounters Although Krishna II hoped to win the friendship of the newly emergent Chola power by giving his daughter in marriage of Adithya I. He however, had to fight against Adithya's successor Parantaka I.

The Rashtrakuta forces seemed to have been worsted by the Cholas in the battle of Vallala. Krishna was succeeded by his grandson, Indra III (C. 914 - 929 A. D.) whose energetic rule proved eminently successful. He repulsed an attack from the Paramara prince, Upendra. He efficiently exploited the weakness of the Gurjara - Pratihara Kingdom, and undertook a brilliant campaign against the north, which resulted in the capture of Kanauj.

This remarkable Rashtrakuta ruler revived the memories of Dhruva and Govinda III. He was succeeded by his son Amoghavarsha II (C. 929 - 930) who was overthrown by his younger brother Govinda IV (C 930 - 935). The usurper was unpopular, and his own licentious life did not improve matters for him. An armed revolt against him resulted in his overthrow.

After the expulsion of Govinda IV his uncle Amoghavarsha III (C. 935 - 939 A.D.) came to the throne. His advanced age and religious temperament did not allow him to evince much interest in the affairs of the Kingdom, which were, in fact, left in charge of his dynamic son Krishna III. During his period the Rashtrakuta ruler helped his son - in - law Butuga II to overthrow his brother, Rachamalla III, the Ganga ruler.

When Butuga II became the Ganga monarch, the Rashtrakutas could count upon him as his loyal and able ally. Krishna III (C. 939 - 967) who succeeded his father was the last great Rashtrakuta ruler. He won a resounding victory against the Cholas in the battle of Takkolam (949 A. D.), which paralysed the Chola power for a while.

The Ganga ruler Butuga II proved an invaluable ally to the Rashtrakutas in this campaign. The Victorious Krishna is said to have marched as far south as Rameshvaram, subduing on his way the Pandyas, Keralas and the King of Ceylon assisted by Butuga's son Marasimha, the Rashtrakuta ruler is said the have undertaken an expedition against North India, in which the Paramaras and Gurjara - Pratiharas were subdued.

However, after the sunny days of success and glory, which marked the reign of Krishna II, a period of gloom descended upon the Rashtrakuta Empire. Krishna was succeeded by his younger brother, Amoghavarsha Khottiga (C. 967-972). During his weak rule the empire was threatened by the invasion o the Paramara King Siyaka Harsha, who attacked and plundered Manyakheta. Although the Ganga ally Marasimha drove the enemy back, the prestige of the empire was seriously undermined.

The next ruler of the dynasty was Karka II (C. 972-973) who was ill - equipped to stem the process of the impending collapse. The formal blow that signaled the end of the empire came from a Chalukya Chief Taila II. The Ganga ally Marasimha, however, continued to champion the cause of a Rashtrakuta prince, Indra IV, but the curtain had finally fallen upon the empire.

Administration:
The Rashtrakuta administration followed the familiar pattern that existed in South India. The King was the fountain of all power, and, in theory, there was no limit to his authority. He assumed high - sounding titles and presided over a dazzling court, which was meant to be the visible proof of the might of the monarch. In reality however, several material and moral forces limited the royal authority. The King carried on the administration with the help of Council of Ministers who were assigned different portfolios.

Kingship was hereditary, although the younger son had occasions to succeed to his father in preference to the elder son. In fact, "the crown passed normally to the eldest, and some times to the ablest". The Yuvaraja participated in administration, and when the King was not very enterprising, he could really play a key - role in the affairs of the state. Princesses like Chandrobalabbe and Silabhattarike were considered worthy enough to take active part in the administration.

The empire consisted of some feudatory rulers called Mahasamantas. They must have enjoyed a fair measure of autonomy provided they paid regular tribute to the King and supplied a prescribed quota of soldiers to the imperial army. The empire itself was divided into Mandalas or Rashtras, and a Rashtrapati looked each after. This provincial governor was vested with both civil and military duties. The provinces were divided into Vishayas, which were under Vishayapatis.

According Dr. Altekar, the Vishayas were subdivided into Bhuktis, each under a Bhogapati. It is also argued that a Bhuktis, each under a Bhogapati. It is also argued that a Bhukti is the same as a Nadu, which is a group of villages. The Village administration was carried on by Gavunda (Gramakuta) or the village headman and the Village Accountant. Altekar thinks that the popular element was fairly effective in the local administration. The Mahajana assemblies functioned as a focus of popular opinions and aspirations.

The Rashtrakuta rulers maintained a powerful army, which made possible their every expansionist scheme. The capital Manyakheta must have had a permanent cantonment where a standing army was kept in readiness. Army units guarded Borders and strategic areas. The armed forces, according Al Masudi contained horses and elephants, but infantry was the most important branch.

The state revenue consisted of land tax, which is variously referred to in the inscriptions as Udranga, Uparika and Bhagakara. Octroi and excise duties were levied on a variety of articles. Tributes from the feudatories also augmented the state revenue. Taxes were collected both in cash and kind.

to be continued…..

Arthikaje,
Mangalore