Which of the following succession practices in the Rashtrakuta kingdom was observed by the Arab traveler Suleiman in his travel accounts?
(a) The ruler was chosen through an election by the nobles.
(b) The king appointed his successor, following the practice of nomination.
(c) The throne was inherited by the eldest son as per primogeniture.
(d) The military determined the next ruler through conquest.

Question

Which of the following succession practices in the Rashtrakuta kingdom was observed by the Arab traveler Suleiman in his travel accounts?
(a) The ruler was chosen through an election by the nobles.
(b) The king appointed his successor, following the practice of nomination.
(c) The throne was inherited by the eldest son as per primogeniture.
(d) The military determined the next ruler through conquest.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

The Rashtrakuta dynasty adhered to the Smritis' recommendation of selecting the heir apparent during the reigning king's lifetime. The Arab traveler Suleiman, who visited the Rashtrakuta kingdom, recorded in his travelogue that Indian kings personally designated their successors, highlighting the practice of princely nomination (Yuvaraja).

For instance, Govind II was appointed as the crown prince while his father was still alive, and Dantidurga had ensured that his uncle would succeed him. However, the heir-apparent had to reach a certain age before assuming power. Political theorists like Sukra emphasized that a king must attain maturity before taking charge of governance.

Medieval Indian History

Rashtrakuta Kingdom

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following succession practices in the Rashtrakuta kingdom was observed by the Arab traveler Suleiman in his travel accounts? (a) The ruler was chosen through an election by the nobles. (b) The king appointed his successor, following the practice of nomination. (c) The throne was inherited by the eldest son as per primogeniture. (d) The military determined the next ruler through conquest.