Initially, Rashtrakutas were subordinates to the Chalukyas of Karnataka. Gradually, they gained power and wealth.
In the mid-8th century Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta chief, overthrew his Chalukya overlord. He performed a ritual called hiranya-garbha with the help of Brahmanas. This ritual was then, considered to lead the rebirth of the sacrificer as Kshatriya, even if he was not a Kshatriya born.