Which religion received the protection of the Rashtrakutas?

Correct answers: (b) Jain or (c) Shaiva

Explanation

The Rashtrakutas (8th–10th century CE), who ruled the Deccan from Manyakheta, were great patrons of Jainism. Amoghavarsha I favoured the Digambara Jains, and the Jain scholars Jinasena and Gunabhadra worked at his court. Jain literature in Sanskrit and Kannada flourished.

The Rashtrakutas also supported Brahmanical religion. Many of the kings were themselves Shaivas, and Krishna I had the Kailasa temple to Shiva cut out of the rock at Ellora. By their time Buddhism had declined in the Deccan.

The book's key is (b): the Rashtrakutas are known for their patronage of Jainism. Many Rashtrakuta kings were Shaivas, and Krishna I had the Kailasa temple to Shiva built at Ellora, so (c) is also accepted.