Dhruva Dharavarsha

Dhruva (780–793 CE) was one of most notable rulers of the Rashtrakuta Empire. He ascended the throne after replacing his elder brother Govinda II. Govinda II had become unpopular among his subjects on account of his various misconducts as a ruler, including excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. This according to the historian Kamath is evident from the Karhad plates of Krishna III.^[1] The Dhulia grant of 779 and Garugadahalli inscription of 782 proclaim Dhruva the emperor. Though some historians claim that Dhruva revolted and grabbed the throne,^[2] other historians feel the transition of the throne from Govinda II to Dhruva was peaceful and may have happened willingly.^[3] He earned titles like Kalivallabha, Srivallabha, Dharavarsha, Maharajadhiraja and Parameshvara.

Success in north and east

Dhruva Dharavarsha had a high level of political aspiration and he actively pursued the goal of expanding the frontiers of Rashtrakuta domination. In north India, he subjugated the might of the rulers of Kannauj. In central India, he defeated the Gurjara Prathihara Empire and also Dharmapala of the Pala Empire of Bengal (who was eager to rule Kannauj) in a battle in the Ganges - Yamuna doab. However, these great victories brought him no permanent land gains but only a lot of material gain and fame.^[4] However another historian has claimed that Dhruva's empire streatched from Ayodhya in the north to Rameshvaram in the south.^[2]

Victories in the Deccan and South

He humbled Vishnuvardhana IV, an Eastern or Vengi Chalukyan king in 784 and forged an alliance by marrying his daughter named Silabhattarika as per the Jetvai grant of 786. Thereafter, he defeated Shivamara II, the Western Ganga Dynasty ruler of Gangavadi, and imprisoned him and appointed his own son, Prince Kambarasa as the governor. He also forced Pallava Nandivarman to accept the suzerainty of Rashtrakuta who paid him handsomely with many elephants. He undertook campaigns to Kanchi in 785 and again against the Western Ganga Dynasty in 788.^[1]

Pan-India power

During his reign, Rashtrakutas emerged as a true pan-India power, controlling large regions across the Indian subcontinent.^[5] He was succeeded by his third son, Govinda III (793–814) whose reign was also marked by brilliant military success and exploits.

Notes

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kamath (2001), p75
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Reu (1933), p62
3. ↑ Dr. P. B. Desai and K. V. Subrahmanya Aiyar in Kamath (2001), p75
4. ↑ A.S. Altekar in Kamath (2001), p75
5. ↑ A. S. Altekar in Kamath 92001), p76

References

• Sastri, Nilakanta K.A. (2002) [1955]. A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar. New Delhi: Indian Branch, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-560686-8. 
• Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980]. A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present. Bangalore: Jupiter books. LCCN 8095179. OCLC 7796041. 
• Reu, Pandit Bisheshwar Nath (1997) [1933]. History of The Rashtrakutas (Rathodas). Jaipur: Publication scheme. ISBN 81-86782-12-5. 

External links

• History of Karnataka, Mr. Arthikaje