Rastrakutas of Kanyakubja and their Migration to Marwar

Summary

This study reconstructs the history of the Rastrakutas of Kanyakubja (Kanauj) and proposes that a branch of this dynasty migrated to the Marwar region. Using inscriptions and literary references, the author traces the genealogy of Rastrakuta rulers, their alliances and their conflicts with neighbouring powers. Political pressure and dynastic strife in Kanauj likely prompted members of the family to seek new territories. After moving westward, they established themselves in Marwar, where they continued to use their ancestral titles and patronised temples and local arts. The article analyses land grants, copper plates and epigraphs to identify rulers and dates and discusses how the migrants adapted to the socio-political environment of western India. It emphasises the mobility of early medieval warrior lineages and how their movements contributed to cultural diffusion. The research also notes the contributions of the Marwar Rastrakutas to regional administration and their interactions with Rajput clans.