Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Tripartite Struggle was a prolonged military conflict that took place between the 8th and 10th centuries CE for control over the city of Kannauj. Kannauj was situated in the fertile Gangetic Doab and was considered a symbol of imperial sovereignty in North India following the decline of the Gupta Empire and the reign of Harsha.
Statement-wise Analysis
- 1. Gurjara-Pratihara: Correct. The Gurjara-Pratiharas, based in Western India (Avanti/Malwa region), were key contenders in the struggle. Rulers like Vatsaraja and Nagabhata II actively campaigned to capture Kannauj.
- 2. Rashtrakuta: Correct. The Rashtrakutas, ruling from the Deccan (Manyakheta), frequently intervened in North Indian politics. Rulers such as Dhruva and Govinda III marched northwards and defeated both the Pratiharas and the Palas, occupying Kannauj briefly, though they often returned to the Deccan due to internal conflicts.
- 3. Pala: Correct. The Pala dynasty, based in Bengal and eastern India, sought to expand westward into the Gangetic plains. Dharmapala was a prominent ruler who engaged in conflicts with the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas for control of Kannauj.
- 4. Chola: Incorrect. The Chola dynasty rose to imperial prominence in the 9th century in the Kaveri delta (South India). While they had conflicts with the Rashtrakutas (e.g., Battle of Takkolam) and later the Chalukyas, they were not participants in the Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj. Their expansion was primarily focused on Peninsular India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
Key Takeaway
The Tripartite Struggle for the control of Kannauj involved the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas. It weakened all three dynasties, eventually paving the way for the rise of other regional powers and Islamic invasions.