Malkhed Fort - Famous Universities of Ancient India - Art and Culture Notes
The Malkhed Fort, also known as the Manyakheta Fort in the past is located on the banks of the Kagina River in the district of Gulbarga in the Indian state of Karnataka. Malkhed was the capital of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty from 814 A.D. to 968 A.D., and after the Rashtrakutas fell, Malkhed became the capital of their successors, the Kalyani Chalukyas. It rose to prominence under the Rashtrakuta rule, in which Scholars of different sects studied there. Here we will discuss in detail the Malkhed Fort, which was considered as an ancient Indian University, that will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.
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Malkhed Fort - Background
- Manyakheta rose to prominence from 814 to 968 AD, when the capital of the Rashtrakutas was relocated from Mayurkhandi in Bidar district to Manyakheta during the reign of Amoghavarsha I (Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha).
- Manyakheta served as the capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas or Western Chalukyas till 1050 CE, after the decline of the Rashtrakutas.
- King Amoghavarsha, who ruled for 64 years and was a great patron of art and literature, wished for his capital to be similar to Indraprastha, the grand mythological city of Lord Indra.
- Suleiman, an Arab traveler, mentions that people of all faiths lived peacefully in Malkhed and that the king respected Muslims.
- According to Dhanapala's Paiyalacchi, the city was captured by the Paramara king Harsa Siyaka between CE 972 and 73.
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| Odantapuri | Nalanda |
| Vikramshila | Takshila |
| Jaggadala | Lalitgiri Odisha |
| Valabhi | Sharada Peeth |
Malkhed Fort - Features
- Amoghavarsha I reigned for approximately 64 years and wrote the first classical Kannada work, Kavirajamarga.
- Amoghavarsha I worked hard to spread Jainism in the region, as did scholars and intellectuals such as Jinasenacharya, Gunabhadracharya, Ajitasenacharya, and Mahaveeracharya.
- Manyakheta is the location of the Uttaradi Matha of Madhvacharya's Dwaita School of Philosophy.
- At the Uttaradi Math, Malkhed also houses the famous 'Brindavan' of Madhva seer Jayatirtha (awarded the title of Teekacharya).
- Sri Jayatirtha, a prominent saint, was buried in a Brindavana located here. He was a commentator on Madhvacharya's Anuvyakhyana, which contains commentary on the Brahma Sutras.
- The commentary was known as Nyaya Sudha, and he was credited with establishing Manyakheta as a Madhva study centre.
- Every year in the Ashada month of the Hindu calendar, the Aradhana Mahotsava of Jayatirtha is held in Malkhed.
- The Jain Bhattaraka Math, a Neminath temple dating back to the 9th century AD, is also well-known in the area.
- The temple's idols include Tirthankaras, Nandishwar dvipa, and yakshi. There is also a well-known panchdhatu shrine with 96 images.
- Other historical images adorn the temple as well. It is the location where Acharya Jinasena and his pupil composed the famous Mahapuranas (Adipurana and Uttarapurana) in the 9th century.
- Yasastilaka Champu by Somodeva Suri was also written here.
- Here, Mahaviracharya wrote the mathematics text Ganita Saara Sangraha.
- Pushapadanta, an Apabhramsha poet, also lived in Manyakheta.
- There is also an ancient Mallinatha Basadi in the village, which consists of a garbhagriha, a navaranga, and a hazara. This Basadi contains 59 manuscripts written in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Kannada.
- There are two temples: the lshwara Temple and the Hanumanta Temple. A Jamma Masjid and a few dargahs are also located in the fort.
Conclusion
Malkhed became well-known under the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Here, Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu scholars studied. It was once known as Manyakheta and is said to have been the capital of the Rashtrakuta monarchs. Today, Malkhed has the ruins of a fort with four entrances and 52 bastions.
FAQs
Question: What is Malkhed Fort, and why is it significant in Indian history?
Answer: Malkhed Fort, also known as Malkhed or Manyakheta, is a historical fort located in the state of Karnataka. It was the capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty during the 9th and 10th centuries. The fort played a crucial role in the political and military history of southern India. It served as an important administrative and cultural center under the Rashtrakutas and was later overtaken by the Chalukyas. The fort is known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance as a seat of power during the Rashtrakuta period.
Question: What are some key features of Malkhed Fort?
Answer: Malkhed Fort is renowned for its impressive defensive structures, including thick walls and fortified gates. The fort was built strategically on the banks of the River Bhima, providing a natural defense. It housed royal palaces, temples, and granaries. The fort also served as an administrative hub and a symbol of the Rashtrakuta dynasty’s strength. However, the fort is now largely in ruins, with remnants of its old structures, including the palace and walls, still visible today.
Question: What role did the Rashtrakuta dynasty play in the development of Malkhed Fort?
Answer: The Rashtrakuta dynasty made Malkhed Fort their capital and significantly developed it as a political, military, and cultural center. The Rashtrakutas ruled from Malkhed for over two centuries and used the fort as the seat of their power. They promoted religious and cultural activities, built temples, and enhanced the infrastructure of the region. The fort also became a significant trade and commerce hub during their reign. The dynasty's patronage of art, literature, and architecture led to the flourishing of culture in the region.
Question: What is the connection between Malkhed Fort and the ancient universities of India?
Answer: While Malkhed Fort itself is not directly associated with the famous ancient universities of India, it is part of a broader cultural and intellectual landscape that existed in southern India during the Rashtrakuta period. The Rashtrakutas were known to patronize learning and education, and many universities and centers of learning flourished during their rule, including the ancient universities of Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Ujjain, which were known for their scholarly pursuits in subjects like philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and literature. The influence of such intellectual traditions likely permeated regions controlled by the Rashtrakutas, including Malkhed.
Question: How did the Rashtrakuta dynasty contribute to the cultural landscape of India?
Answer: The Rashtrakuta dynasty contributed significantly to the cultural and architectural landscape of India. They were patrons of art, literature, and architecture, commissioning the construction of magnificent temples and monuments. The Rashtrakutas were responsible for the creation of the famous rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora, one of the largest monolithic structures in the world. Their support for learning led to advancements in literature and education, and they helped promote the development of religious and philosophical schools of thought.
MCQs
1. Who was the primary ruler associated with the development of Malkhed Fort?
A) Chalukyas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Mauryas
D) Guptas
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: The Rashtrakutas were the primary rulers associated with the development and use of Malkhed Fort as their capital. It served as an important political, military, and cultural center during their reign.
2. Malkhed Fort is located in which modern-day state of India?
A) Karnataka
B) Maharashtra
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (A) See the Explanation
Explanation: Malkhed Fort is located in the state of Karnataka, near the town of Malkhed, which was once the capital of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
3. What was the main purpose of Malkhed Fort during the Rashtrakuta period?
A) A center for trade
B) A religious site
C) A military stronghold and capital
D) A cultural hub
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: Malkhed Fort served as a military stronghold and capital for the Rashtrakuta dynasty, where administrative and political affairs were conducted.
4. Which dynasty ruled Malkhed Fort?
A) Gupta dynasty
B) Chola dynasty
C) Rashtrakuta dynasty
D) Maurya dynasty
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: Malkhed Fort was ruled by the Rashtrakuta dynasty, which made it their capital and used it for military, administrative, and cultural purposes.
5. What was the Rashtrakuta dynasty known for during its reign?
A) Expanding the Mughal Empire
B) Promoting trade and commerce
C) Patronizing art, architecture, and education
D) Establishing the Mauryan Empire
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: The Rashtrakuta dynasty was known for its patronage of art, architecture, and education, as well as for building monumental structures like the Kailasa temple at Ellora.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Analyze the role of Malkhed Fort in the military and political administration of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Answer: Malkhed Fort played a significant role in the military and political administration of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. As the capital of the dynasty, it was a strategic stronghold that allowed the Rashtrakutas to control the region. The fort was heavily fortified and strategically located on the banks of the River Bhima, providing natural defenses. It housed royal palaces and administrative centers, making it a hub for governance. The fort’s location also allowed the Rashtrakutas to manage trade routes and secure their territory from external invasions, particularly from the Chalukyas and other regional powers.
Q2: What were the cultural and educational contributions of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, and how did they influence ancient Indian society?
Answer: The Rashtrakuta dynasty made significant contributions to Indian culture, education, and architecture. They were patrons of literature and arts, supporting the creation of important Sanskrit works, including texts on astrology and philosophy. Their patronage of the arts also led to the creation of monumental rock-cut temples, such as the Kailasa temple at Ellora, which is considered an architectural marvel. Additionally, the Rashtrakutas promoted educational institutions and centers of learning, which attracted scholars from across India and abroad. Their contributions enriched the cultural heritage of India and laid the foundation for subsequent dynasties to build upon.
Q3: Discuss the decline of Malkhed Fort and the factors that led to the fall of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Answer: The decline of Malkhed Fort and the fall of the Rashtrakuta dynasty were due to a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, the dynasty faced succession disputes, weakening central authority and creating fragmentation within the empire. Externally, the growing power of the Chalukyas and other regional powers challenged the Rashtrakuta’s dominance. The invasion of the Chalukya dynasty, coupled with the rise of the Deccan Sultanates, contributed to the decline of the fort and the eventual fall of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The fort was eventually abandoned, and Malkhed’s significance diminished as new powers took control of the region.
Previous Year Questions on Malkhed Fort and Rashtrakuta Dynasty
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:
Question: The Rashtrakuta dynasty, known for its architectural achievements, is most famous for the construction of which of the following structures?
A) Qutub Minar
B) Kailasa temple at Ellora
C) Red Fort
D) Brihadeeswarar Temple
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Rashtrakuta dynasty is most famous for constructing the Kailasa temple at Ellora, a remarkable rock-cut temple complex carved from a single piece of rock.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):
Question: How did the Rashtrakuta dynasty contribute to the cultural and intellectual development of ancient India?
Answer: The Rashtrakuta dynasty contributed significantly to cultural and intellectual development by patronizing literature, art, and architecture. Their reign saw the creation of monumental rock-cut temples like the Kailasa temple at Ellora, and they supported scholars in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Their efforts helped preserve and enhance India's cultural heritage.
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