About

• The Gurjara-Pratiharas, or simply, the Pratiharas (8th century CE – 11th century CE) held their sway over western and northern India. 
• The Pratiharas rose to fame in the late 8th century CE after successfully resisting Arab invaders.
• Bhoja or Mihira Bhoja (c. 836-885 CE, title: Adivaraha) was the most well-known king of this dynasty. 
• The expansion of the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom involved constant conflicts with other contemporary powers such as the Palas (eastern India) and the Rashtrakutas (southern India) known as the tripartite struggle.

Foreigners’ account

• Primary literary sources for their history include the accounts of Arab merchants who visited India in this period like Suleiman (c. 9th century CE) and al-Masudi (visited Gujarat in 915-16 CE). 
• All these writers refer to the Pratihara Kingdom as al-Juzr (derived from the Sanskrit Gurjara) and attest “to the great power and prestige of the Pratihara rulers and the vastness of their empire”.

Art and Architecture

• The Pratiharas were known chiefly for their patronage of art, literature, sculpture and temple-building.
• The poet Rajashekhara was associated with Mahendrapala and Mahipala and left behind many works of note.
• The sculptural styles developed during the period were unique and remained an influence on later styles. 
• The Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture received a big boost under their rule. 
• According to this style, the temple was built on a stone platform with steps leading up to it, with many regional variations. 
• This style became very popular in northern India in the following centuries.

Why in News?

• Natesa idol which was stolen from India in 1998 is set to be returned to India.
• The Natesa icon was originally from the Ghateswara Temple, Baroli, Rajasthan and it belonged to the 9th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan.

About the idol

• The sandstone Natesa figure stands tall at almost 4 ft. in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva in the late 9th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan. 
• A beautiful depiction of Nandi is shown behind the right leg of the Natesa icon.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/natesa-of-rajasthan-temple-returns-to-india/article32225514.ecehttps://www.ancient.eu/Gurjara-Pratihara_Empire/