 This period , between the eighth and the 10th centuries , saw a tripartite struggle for the resources of the rich Gangetic plains , each of these three empires annexing the seat of power at Kannauj for short periods of time . At their peak the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta ruled a vast empire stretching from the Ganges River and Yamuna River doab in the north to Cape Comorin in the south , a fruitful time of political expansion , architectural achievements and famous literary contributions . The early kings of this dynasty were influenced by Hinduism and the later kings by Jainism . 
