The Rashtrakutas and their Times c3.1

c3.1

The reconstruction of Ancient Indian History has passed through several stages. In the beginning, almost everything appeared to be of the nature of a dim legend; hardly any historical data were available. When the key to the ancient Indian inscriptions was discovered, abundant historical material became available, and the energies of scholars were for some time directed towards the task of assorting it. The first generation of scholars was naturally engaged in determining the chronology and giving the frame-work of the political history. These problems became more or less settled in course of time. Owing to the commendable zeal of the Indian Government and of the various research societies, both in India and abroad, immense historical material became available in course of time. The discovery of the Arthaśāstra, which coincided with the political awakening in the country, gave a powerful impetus to the study of the political institutions of Ancient India. The material now available is, however, so ample that the historian need not longer be exclusively or mainly occupied with the court, but can give equal attention to the cottage.