Rashtrakut

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Large states were formed in north India and in Deccan between 750 CE and 1000 CE and one of the prominent among those were Rashtrakuts who ruled Deccan and often controlled territories in south and north India. 

It was founded by Dantidurg with its capital at Manykhet, more popularly known as Malkhed near Solapur in Maharashtra.

There were other two empires who made a big impact during that period, The Pala empire who dominated Eastern India and The Pratiharas who dominated western India and upper Gangetic valley.

Of these three emires, Rastrakutas lasted the longest. It wasn't not just the strongest empire of that time but also served as the bridge between and north and south India's economic and cultural harmony.

Probably 3 most powerful kings of Rastrakuta were Govinda III, Amoghavarsha and Vallabhraja (Balhara).

al-Masudi who visited India at that time said Vallabhraja is the greatest king of India and most other Indian rulers accepted his suzerainty.

The Rashtrakuta reign lasted for almost 200 years. Art flourished during their reign. The famous Kailash Mandir at Ellora (Verul) is built by Krishna I.

The directly administered areas in Rashtrakuts were divided as Rashtra (province), visaya (district) and bhukti (town). The head of Rashtra was called as Rashtrapati.