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Political History:
Although a number of early rulers of this family are mentioned in the inscriptions, it was Dantidurga (C. 735 - 756 A.D.) who achieved the Rashtrakuta independence by defeating the Chalukyas.

According to the Sanjana plates, Dantidurga was the son of the Gujarat Chalukya princess Bhavanaga whom his father Indraja forcibly carried away from her marriage pandal. Dantidurga, according to the Samangad plates, defeated the "Karnatakabala" of the Chalukyas and captured Badami. He claims victories over Malava and Lata. He is said to have helped Avanijanashraya Pulakesi in repulsing the Arab incursions. He performed Hiranyagarbha, and assumed titles like Sahasa Tunga and Khadgavaloka.

He was succeeded by his uncle Krishna I (C. 756-774) who completed the conquest over the Chalukyas. He invaded the Ganga Kingdom and snatched away a few slices of territory from its ruler, Sripurusha. He also registered victories against the Vengi Chalukyan ruler, Vishnuvardhana IV. His claim to immortality was the Kailasanatha temple, which he constructed.

His successor Govinda II (C. 774-780 A. D) is said to have become unpopular owing to his dedication to sensual pleasures and was replaced by his energetic younger brother Dhruva.

Dhruva Dharavarsha (C. 780 - 793 A. D.) was destined for a brilliant and successful carrier. His irresistible political ambition led him to North India to stake his claim over Kanauj. This Dhruva achieved by humbling the might of Vatsaraja of the Gurajara - Pratihara family and Dharmapala of Bengal. The Vengi Chalukyan ruler Vishnuvardhana bowed before the Rashtrakuta power and offered his daughter Silabhattarika in marriage to Dhruva.

Dhruva then moved to Gangavadi, defeated its ruler Shivamara V and took him captive, and appointed his son Stambha as the governor of Gangavadi. He also forced the Pallavas to accept Rashtrakuta suzerainty. Dhruva assumed such titles as Nirupama, Kali Vallabha and Dharavarsha, and his distinction, according to Dr. Altekar, was that "he made the Rashtrakutas an all - India power."

Dhruva was succeeded by his third son Govinda III (C. 793-814 A. D) whose rule was also marked by splendid military achievements. It began when his elder brother Stambha, who was governing Gangavadi, angry over his exclusion from succession, organized a confederacy of twelve chiefs, and revolted against Govinda.

The Rashtrakuta ruler first had recourse to diplomacy to deal with the situation. He released Ganga Shivamara II from the Rashtrakuta prison to win his good will and also to set him against Stambha. But Shivamara allied himself with the rebel. Thereupon Govinda III marched against the confederates, and the rebellion was promptly put down.

Stambha was pardoned, but Shivamara was once again put in prison. Govinda repeated the performance of his illustrious father in the North. He overcame the challenges of Nagabhata II, the son and successor of Vatsaraja, and Dharmapala of Bengal to establish his supremacy over Kanauj.

It is said that the victorious forces of Govinda proceeded as far as the foot of the Himalayas, and according to the Sanjan plates, "His horses drank the icy liquid bubbling in the Himalayan stream and his war elephants tasted the holy water of the river Ganga."

In the south, Govinda intervened in the affairs of Vengi, fought successfully against the Pallavas and received tributes from the King of Ceylon.

Govinda assumed titles like Jagattunga, Prabhutavarsha and Kirtinarayana. His younger brother Indra founded the Gujarat branch of the Rashtrakuta family.

to be continued…..

Arthikaje,
Mangalore