Medieval India — SSC & RRB Complete Study Notes · Chapter 2
1.1 The Tripartite Struggle
1.1 The Tripartite Struggle
From the 8th to 10th century CE, three powerful dynasties fought for control of Kannauj (the seat of imperial power in North India, earlier associated with Harshavardhana) — this is called the Tripartite Struggle:
Gurjara-Pratiharas (Rajputana/Malwa, western India)
Palas (Bengal and Bihar, eastern India)
Rashtrakutas (Deccan, southern/central India)
Key Facts / Quick Revision Points
The Tripartite Struggle lasted roughly two centuries (c. 8th–10th century CE).
Kannauj was the prize because it symbolised paramountcy over Gangetic India (legacy of Harsha).
Eventually all three dynasties weakened each other, paving the way for later Turkish invasions.
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1.The Tripartite Struggle was a prolonged conflict among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and which southern Indian dynasty? (RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I (19/08/2025) Shift 3)
2.The tripartite struggle for Kannauj was among the: (RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I (14/06/2025) Shift 2)
3.Which of the following dynasties did NOT participate in tripartite struggle over Kannauj? (RRB JE CBT-I 2024 (18/12/2024) Shift 2)
4.Who among the following founded Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty after winning Kannauj in the tripartite struggle? (RPF SI CBT-I 2024 (03/12/2024) Shift 2)
5.Which dynasty ruled over Kannauj during the Tripartite Struggle? (RRB NTPC GRADUATE CBT 1 (17/03/2026) Shift 1)
6.Which of the following dynasties did NOT participate in tripartite struggle over Kannauj?
7.Which dynasty ruled over Kannauj during the Tripartite Struggle?
8.Among which of the following powers did the ‘Tripartite Struggle’ take place during the 8 th and 9th centuries? (RRB NTPC (UG) CBT-I (02/09/2025) Shift 1)
9.Who is known to make an image of Mother India during the freedom struggle? (RPF Constable 2018 (18/02/2019))
10.The Quit India Movement was important in the freedom struggle of India. Which of the following event followed the movement? (RRB NTPC CBT-I (24/07/2021) Shift 1)