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war with the Gurjars and in South their great enemies were the Pallavas and Cholas. The Rashtrakuta kings were prudent enough to make alliances with the tribes on their borders and with the Arabs also, who regarded the Rashtrakutas as great friends of Islam. Thus with their valour, statesmanship and sobriety of mind the Rashtrakuta rulers became famous for their just and peaceful rule. Most of them followed the Jaina religion and diffused the best humane and moral teaching all round. It was due to the humane ideals of these monarchs that people imitated them in religious piety and made the country prosperous. Al-Idrise, the Arab, writes that “The Rashtrakuta territory was vast, wellpeopled, commercial and fertile. The people lived mostly on a vegetable diet, rice, peas, beans, haricots, and lentils, being their daily food." The same writer informs us further that "these Indians are naturally inclined to justice and in their actions never depart from it. Their reputation for good faith, honesty and fidelity to their engagements brings strangers flocking to their country; thus adding to its prospority." The Religion of the Jina flourished under the patronage of these glorious Rashtrakutas.
1. The Gazetteer of Bombny Presy: Vol. I, pt. I, pp.
526-530.
