EARLY MEDIEVAL INDIA

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After death of Harsha (647 AD), there was no political unity in north India for about five centuries. The country was split up into a number of states which were constantly fighting and changing their frontiers.
The important kingdoms in north India were Kashmir, Gandhara, Sind, Gujarat, Kanauj, Ajmir, Malwa, Bengal and Assam.
In the early eighth century Kashmir was dominant. Then, Palas of Bengal reigned supreme till Pratiharas became the most powerful rulers of north India.
But in tenth century, Rashtrakutas of Deccan tried to extend their power in north India but ultimately failed in their attempt

Northern India: Age of the Three Empires (750–1000)

The Gurjara−Pratiharas (who dominated western India and upper Gangetic valley till the middle of the 10th century), the Palas (who ruled over eastern India till the middle of the 9th century), the Rashtrakutas (who dominated Deccan and also controlled territories in north and south India) kingdoms were constantly fighting with each other with aim to set up their control on Gangetic region in northern India and for status of Chakravartin.
This conflict among these three powers is often described as the ‗Tripartite struggle‘.
Out of these 3, Rashtrakutas emerged as most powerful and their empire lasted for max time.

Timeline: a750–1161 AD
In 8 th century CE, Gopala (750–770 AD) laid the foundation of Pala dynasty and known as "Kingdom of Dharma''.
Pala‘ meant ―protector‖ in the ancient language of Prakrit.
Pala kingdom included Bengal and Bihar, which included the major cities of Pataliputra, Vikrampura, Ramvati (Varendra), Monghyr (Munger), Tamralipti and Jaggadala.
The region witnessed invasions by Yashovarmana of Kannauj, Lalitaditya of Kashmir, and even of a Chinese army.
Pala kings were followers of Buddhism, especially Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.
They greatly promoted this religion by making monasteries (viharas) and temples in eastern India. The Pala legacy is still reflected in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Pala period is considered one of golden eras in the history of Bengal. The Palas brought stability and prosperity to Bengal after centuries of civil war between warring divisions.

Timeline: 8th–11th Century AD
Pratiharas (literally means door keeper) were also known as Gurjara−Pratiharas, as they originated from the Gurjaras who were primarily pastoralists and fighters.

Timeline: 753-975 AD
Rashtrakuta‘ means chief of rashtra (a division or kingdom).
Rashtrakutas were of Kannada origin and Kannada language was their mother tongue. Dantidurga was founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Rashtrakutas were originally known to be feudatories of Western Chalukyas of Vatapi. Though Rashtrakutas were early rulers, greatest ruler of the dynasty was Dandidurga (meaning he whose elephant is his fortress).
Capital was Manyakheta or Malkhed near Solapur.
They achieved spectacular military successes in the north and south and in the tripartite struggle they mostly defeated the Palas and the Pratiharas.