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{{use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Short description| Rashtrakuta Emperor from 939 to 967}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| reign = 939-967 CE
| succession  = 12th [[Rashtrakuta Empire|Rashtrakuta Emperor]]
| predecessor = [[Amoghavarsha III]]
| title        = Maharajadhiraja <br> Vallabhanarendra <br>Paramabhattaraka <br> Akalavarsha <br> Shri-prithvi-vallabha<ref name="KrishnaIII-Titles">Fleet, John Faithfull (ed.). Epigraphia Indica, Vol. 3. Calcutta: Government of India, 1894. pp. 270–273. Titles of Krishna III are recorded in multiple inscriptions, including the Savalagi and Ron inscriptions.</ref>
| successor = [[Khottiga]]
| reign       = December 939 – December 967<ref name="v233">{{cite web | title= The Rāshțrakuțās and Their Times| url=https://ia802900.us.archive.org/21/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.57217/2015.57217.Rashtrakutas-And-Their-Times_text.pdf | access-date=6 February 2025| page =122, 126}}</ref>
| predecessor = [[Amoghavarsha III]]
| successor   = [[Khottiga]]
| birth_name  = Kannaradeva
| father      = [[Amoghavarsha III]]
| religion    = [[Jainism]]<ref>Altekar, A.S. (1934). The Rashtrakutas and Their Times. Poona: Oriental Book Agency.</ref><ref>Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha.</ref>
 
| spouse      = Unnamed princess of Chedi
| issue        = Unnamed son <br> Bijjabbe
| dynasty      = [[Rashtrakuta]]
}}
}}
{{Rashtrakuta Manyakheta Kings Infobox}}
{{Rashtrakuta Manyakheta Kings Infobox}}
{{Short description|Monarch in 10th century India}}[[File:Old Kannada inscription dated Shaka 868 (c.944-45 AD) of Rashtrakuta empire King Krishna III.JPG|thumb|upright|Old Kannada inscription dated c. 944-45 AD of Rashtrakuta empire King Krishna III]]
[[File:Old Kannada inscription dated Shaka 868 (c.944-45 AD) of Rashtrakuta empire King Krishna III.JPG|thumb|upright|Old Kannada inscription dated c. 944–45 of Rashtrakuta Emperor Krishna III]]
'''Krishna III''' whose [[Kannada]] name was '''Kannara''' (r. 939 – 967 C.E.) was the last great warrior and able monarch of the [[Rashtrakuta dynasty]] of Manyakheta. He was a shrewd administrator and skillful military campaigner. He waged many wars to bring back the glory of the Rashtrakutas and played an important role in rebuilding the Rashtrakuta empire. He patronised the famous [[Kannada]] poets [[Sri Ponna]], who wrote ''Shanti purana'', Gajankusha, also known as Narayana, who wrote on erotics, and the [[Apabhramsha]] poet Pushpadanta who wrote ''Mahapurana'' and other works.<ref name="poet">Kamath (2001), p84, p90</ref><ref name="poet1">Sastri (1955), p356</ref><ref name="ubhaya">[[Bisheshwar Nath Reu|Reu]] (1933), p86</ref> His queen was a [[Kalachuris of Tripuri|Chedi]] princess and his daughter Bijjabbe was married to a [[Gangas|Western Ganga]] prince. During his rule he held titles such as ''Akalavarsha'', ''Maharajadhiraja'', ''Parameshvara'', ''Paramamaheshvara'', ''Shri Prithvivallabha'' etc.<ref name="title">Reu (1933), p82</ref> At his peak, he ruled a vast empire stretching from the [[Narmada River|Narmada]] river in the north to the [[Kaveri]] river delta in the south. A copper grant of 993 issued by the Shilahara king of Thana  claims the Rashtrakuta control extended from the Himalayas in the north to Ceylon in the south and from the eastern sea to the western seas. The grant states that when King Krishna III mobilised his armies, the kings of Chola, Bengal, Kannauj, Andhra and Pandya regions used to quiver.<ref name="hold">Reu (1933), p43</ref>


==Southern invasion==
'''Krishna III''' (r. 939 – 967), was the last great warrior and able [[Rashtrakutas|Rashtrakuta Emperor]]. He was a shrewd administrator and skillful military campaigner. He waged many wars to restore the glory of the Rashtrakutas and played an important role in rebuilding the Rashtrakuta empire. He patronised the famous Kannada poets [[Ponna (poet)|Ponna]], who wrote [[Shantinatha|"Shantinatha Purana"]] and Gajankusha, who wrote on erotics, and the [[Apabhramsha]] poet Pushpadanta who wrote "Mahapurana" and other works.<ref name="poet">Kamath (2001), p84, p90</ref><ref name="poet1">Sastri (1955), p356</ref><ref name="ubhaya">[[Bisheshwar Nath Reu|Reu]] (1933), p86</ref> His queen was a [[Kalachuris of Tripuri|Chedi]] princess and his daughter Bijjabbe was married to a [[Western Ganga dynasty|Western Ganga]] prince. During his rule he held titles such as ''Akalavarsha'', ''Maharajadhiraja'', ''Parameshvara'', ''Paramamaheshvara'', ''Shri Prithvivallabha'' etc.<ref name="title">Reu (1933), p82</ref> At his peak, he reigned over a vast empire stretching from at least the [[Narmada River|Narmada]] river in the north to at least the [[Kaveri]] river delta in the south. A copper grant of 993 issued by the [[Shilahara]] king of [[Thane|Thana]] states that the Rashtrakuta control extended from the Himalayas in the north to [[Ceylon]] in the south and from the [[Bay of Bengal|eastern sea]] to the [[Arabian Sea|western seas]]. This grant also states that when the emperor Krishna III mobilised his armies, the kings of Chola, Bengal, Kannauj, Andhra and Pandya regions used to quiver.<ref name="hold">Reu (1933), p43</ref>
He killed the [[Western Ganga Dynasty|Western Ganga]] ruler Rachamalla II and made his brother-in-law [[Butuga II]] the king of the [[Mysore state|Gangavadi]] territory. He invaded the territory of Gurjara [[Prathihara]] and captured Chitrakuta and Kalinjara regions. He even defeated his own family relations, the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri]] (Chedi) who had turned against the Rashtrakutas.<ref name="tripuri">Kamath (2001), p82</ref> Later he invaded the southern [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] and recaptured [[Kolar]] and [[Dharmapuri]] from the [[Bana Kingdom|Banas]] and Vaidumbas who had given shelter to [[Govinda IV]] due to his matrimonial relations with the [[Cholas]]. Though he initially may have experienced setbacks, Tondaimandalam (northern Tamil regions) was secured by 944. He defeated the [[Cholas]] and captured [[Kanchi]] and [[Tanjore]], according to the Siddalingamadam plates of 944.<ref name="sidda">Kamath (2001), p83</ref>  


In c. 949, he defeated the Cholas decisively in a [[battle of Takkolam]] in the [[North Arcot]] district.<ref name="arcot">From the Karhad record of 949 (Kamath 2001, p83)</ref> Krishna III was helped by his Western Ganga feudatory Butuga II in these campaign. Chola prince [[Rajaditya]] Chola was killed "while seated on his elephant with a well-aimed arrow". From the famous [[Atakur inscription]] it is known that Krishna III gave Buthuga II extensive Ratta territories near [[Banavasi]] in return for this victory.<ref name="title" /><ref name="ratta">From the [[Atakur inscription]] (Kamath 2001, p83)</ref><ref name="sarma">Sarma (1992), p20, p28, p133</ref><ref name="adi">Adiga (2006), p120, p307</ref> With the fall of the Cholas, he was able to extract tribute from the [[Pandyas]] and the Chera ruler of [[Kerala]].<ref name=":0">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''Perumāḷs of Kerala: Brahmin Oligarchy and Ritual Monarchy: Political and Social Conditions of Kerala Under the Cēra Perumāḷs of Makōtai (c. AD 800 - AD 1124).'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 100-101.</ref> He also obtained the submission of the King of Ceylon, extracted tributes from the Manadlika rulers, and erected a pillar of victory at Ramesvaram.<ref name="arcot" /><ref name="arcot1">From the Sholapur copper plate inscriptions of 958 (Reu 1933, p84, p85)</ref> This victory is narrated in Somadeva's writing ''Yashatilaka Champu'' of 959 as well.<ref name="pandya">Krishna III is described as the conqueror of Chola, Chera, Pandya and Simhala ([[Ceylon]]) (Reu 1933, p86)</ref>  
==Southern conquests ==
He slew the [[Western Ganga Dynasty|Western Ganga]] ruler Rachamalla II and made his brother-in-law [[Butuga II]] the king of the [[Mysore state|Gangavadi]] territory. He fought the Gurjara [[Prathihara]] and captured Chitrakuta and Kalinjara regions. He defeated his family relations, the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri]] (Chedi) when they had turned against the Rashtrakutas.<ref name="tripuri">Kamath (2001), p82</ref> Later he invaded the southern [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] and recaptured [[Kolar, Karnataka|Kolar]] and [[Dharmapuri]] from the [[Bana kingdom|Banas]] and Vaidumbas who had given shelter to [[Govinda IV]] due to his matrimonial relations with the [[Cholas]]. Though he initially may have experienced setbacks, [[Tondaimandalam]] was secured by 944. He defeated the [[Cholas]] and captured [[Kanchi]] and [[Tanjore]], according to the Siddalingamadam plates of 944.<ref name="sidda">Kamath (2001), p83</ref>
 
In c. 949, he defeated the Cholas decisively in a [[Battle of Takkolam]] in present-day [[North Arcot]] district.<ref name="arcot">From the Karhad record of 949 (Kamath 2001, p83)</ref> Krishna III was joined by his Western Ganga feudatory Butuga II in this campaign. Chola prince [[Rajaditya Chola|Rajaditya]] Chola was killed "while seated on his elephant with a well-aimed arrow". From the famous [[Atakur inscription]] it is known that Krishna III gave Buthuga II extensive Ratta territories near [[Banavasi]] in return for this victory.<ref name="title" /><ref name="ratta">From the [[Atakur inscription]] (Kamath 2001, p83)</ref><ref name="sarma">Sarma (1992), p20, p28, p133</ref><ref name="adi">Adiga (2006), p120, p307</ref> With the fall of the Cholas, he extracted tribute from the [[Pandyas]] and the Chera ruler of [[Kerala]].<ref name=":0">Narayanan, M. G. S. ''Perumāḷs of Kerala: Brahmin Oligarchy and Ritual Monarchy: Political and Social Conditions of Kerala Under the Cēra Perumāḷs of Makōtai (c. AD 800 – AD 1124).'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 100–101.</ref> He also obtained the submission of the King of Ceylon, extracted tributes from the Manadlika rulers, and erected a pillar of victory at Ramesvaram.<ref name="arcot" /><ref name="arcot1">From the Sholapur copper plate inscriptions of 958 (Reu 1933, p84, p85)</ref> This victory is narrated in Somadeva's writing ''Yashatilaka Champu'' of 959 as well.<ref name="pandya">Krishna III is described as the conqueror of Chola, Chera, Pandya and Simhala ([[Ceylon]]) (Reu 1933, p86)</ref>  


However, from location of the inscriptions it is argued that Krishna III had full control only of Tondaimandalam (northern [[Tamil Nadu]]) as his inscriptions are not found further south in modern [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="control">Sathianath Ayer in Kamath 2001, p83</ref> After these victories he proclaimed himself "Conqueror of Kacci and Tanjai" (Kanchi and Tanjore).<ref name="tanjore">from the Tirukkalukkunram and Lakshmeshvara inscriptions (Reu 1933, p83, p85)</ref> He exerted influence on [[Vengi]] (modern [[Andhra Pradesh]]) by helping Badapa secure the throne against his competitor Amma II. Later, Danarnava of Vengi became his feudatory.
However, from location of the inscriptions it is argued that Krishna III had full control only of Tondaimandalam (northern [[Tamil Nadu]]) as his inscriptions are not found further south in modern [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="control">Sathianath Ayer in Kamath 2001, p83</ref> After these victories he proclaimed himself "Conqueror of Kacci and Tanjai" (Kanchi and Tanjore).<ref name="tanjore">from the Tirukkalukkunram and Lakshmeshvara inscriptions (Reu 1933, p83, p85)</ref> He exerted influence on [[Vengi]] (modern [[Andhra Pradesh]]) by helping Badapa secure the throne against his competitor Amma II. Later, Danarnava of Vengi became his feudatory.


==Northern expedition==
==Northern conquests==
While Krishna III focussed on southern [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]], the [[Chandela]]s had captured Chitrakuta and Kalinjar. This prompted Krishna III to send his Western Ganga feudatory Marasimha, son of Buthuga II, to retrieve the lost areas. Marasimha defeated the Gurjara Prathiharas. The northernmost [[Kannada]] inscription of the Rashtrakutas, dated about 964 is the Jura record (near [[Jabalpur]]) in present-day [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The details of these victories are inscribed in this inscription.<ref name="sidda"/> Two inscriptions of Marasimha, dated 965 CE and 968 CE, state that his forces destroyed [[Ujjayani]] (which lies in the [[Paramara]] territory of [[Malwa]]). Based on this, some historians such as [[Anant Sadashiv Altekar|A. S. Altekar]] conclude that the Paramara king [[Siyaka]] must have rebelled against the Rashtrakuta suzerainty, resulting in a military campaign against him. Thus, Marasimha must have also defeated the Paramaras. However, K. N. Sethi believes that Krishna III only targeted the Gurjara-Pratiharas: there is no evidence to show that Siyaka rebelled against Krishna III or faced a battle against his forces.{{sfn|Seth|1978|pp=80-81}}
While Krishna III focussed on southern [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]], the [[Chandela]]s had captured Chitrakuta and Kalinjar. This prompted Krishna III to send his Western Ganga vassal [[Marasimha II]], son of [[Butuga II]], to retrieve the lost areas. Marasimha defeated the Gurjara Prathiharas. The northernmost [[Kannada]] inscription of the Rashtrakutas, dated about 964 is the Jura record (near [[Jabalpur]]) in present-day [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The details of these victories are inscribed in this inscription.<ref name="sidda"/> Two inscriptions of Marasimha, dated 965 and 968, state that his forces destroyed [[Ujjayani]] (which lies in the [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara]] territory of [[Malwa]]). Based on this, some historians such as [[Anant Sadashiv Altekar|A. S. Altekar]] conclude that the Paramara king [[Siyaka]] must have rebelled against the Rashtrakuta suzerainty, resulting in a military campaign against him. Thus, Marasimha must have also defeated the Paramaras. However, K. N. Sethi believes that Krishna III only targeted the Gurjara-Pratiharas: there is no evidence to show that Siyaka rebelled against Krishna III or faced a battle against his forces.{{sfn|Seth|1978|pp=80–81}}
 
At his peak, Krishna III ruled an empire that extended at least from the [[Narmada River|Narmada]] river in the north and stretched south covering large parts of present-day northern [[Tamil Nadu]] in the south. The [[Prathihara]], the [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara]], the [[Seuna]] (ruled by Vaddiga) and the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri|northern Kalachuris]] were his feudatories in the northern Deccan and central India.<ref name="extent">However the Deoli inscriptions state that the Rashtrakuta control extended from the Himalayas in the north to Ceylon in the south and from the eastern sea to the western sea (Reu 1933, p83, p84)</ref>


At his peak, Krishna III ruled an empire that extended from [[Narmada River|Narmada]] river in the north and stretched south covering large parts of present-day northern [[Tamil Nadu]] in the south. The [[Prathihara]], the [[Paramara]], the [[Seuna]] (ruled by Vaddiga) and the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri|northern Kalachuris]] were his feudatories in the northern Deccan and central India.<ref name="extent">However the Deoli inscriptions claim the Rashtrakuta control extended from the Himalayas in the north to Ceylon in the south and from the eastern sea to the western sea (Reu 1933, p83, p84)</ref>
This enmity with the northern Kalachuris of Tripuri proved fatal to the empire towards the end of his rule. Krishna III was also perhaps reckless in giving large ''fiefs'' (land grants) to his commanders. He gave the province of Tardavadi (present day [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Vijayapura district]]) sometime before 965 to [[Tailapa II]] his Chalukya feudatory right in the heart of his empire. This later turned out to be to the Rashtrakutas' undoing.


This enmity with the northern Kalachuris of Tripuri proved fatal to the empire towards the end of his rule. Krishna III was also perhaps reckless in giving large ''fiefs'' (land grants) to his commanders. He gave the province of Tardavadi (present day [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur district]]) sometime before 965 to [[Tailapa II]] his Chalukya feudatory right in the heart of his empire. This later turned out to be to the Rashtrakutas' undoing.
== Religion ==
Krishna III is described as Jain by faith according to historian P.B. Desai. Their inscriptions begin by specifying the temple or religious institution to which the grant or donation is being made, rather than invoking a single deity.<ref>Kamath (2001), p.91</ref><ref>Chopra et al. (1993), p.91</ref><ref>Desai, P.B. (1957). ''Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs''. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha.</ref> Krishna III continued the Rashtrakuta dynasty’s longstanding and well-documented tradition of strong Jain patronage. Under the patronage of Krishna III, [[Kannada]] Jain Poet [[Ponna (poet)|Ponna]] composed works such as [[Shantinatha|"Shantinatha Purana"]], "Jinaksharamale", and "Bhuvanaika-Ramabhyudaya". Known for his Jain texts and command over both [[Kannada]] and [[Sanskrit]],<ref>Narasimhacharya, R. (1988). ''History of Kannada Literature''. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. pp. 20–22.</ref> Ponna was honoured by Krishna III with the title "Ubhaya-Kavi-Chakravarti" (Emperor among poets)<ref>Narasimhacharya, R. (1988). pp. 20–22.</ref> in recognition of his rich poetic imagery and mastery of literary style.<ref>Narasimhacharya, R. (1988). pp. 20–22.</ref> And Numerous inscriptions and land grants from Rashtrakuta rulers show sustained support for Jain [[monks]], temples, and scholars across the Deccan, a policy begun by earlier kings like Amoghavarsha I. Krishna III maintained this inclusive approach, encouraging Jain religious institutions within his empire.<ref>Altekar, A.S. (1934). ''The Rashtrakutas and Their Times''. Poona: Oriental Book Agency.</ref><ref>Desai, P.B. (1957). ''Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs''. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha.</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==References==
==References==
*{{cite book |last1= Chopra|first1= P.N.|last2= Ravindran|first2= T.K.|last3=Subrahmanian|first3= N|title= History of South India (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) Part 1|orig-year=2003|year=2003|publisher= Chand Publications|location=New Delhi|isbn= 81-219-0153-7}}
*{{cite book |last= Sastri|first= Nilakanta K.A.|title= A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar|orig-year=1955|year=2002|publisher= Indian Branch, Oxford University Press|location= New Delhi|isbn= 0-19-560686-8}}
*{{cite book |last= Sastri|first= Nilakanta K.A.|title= A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar|orig-year=1955|year=2002|publisher= Indian Branch, Oxford University Press|location= New Delhi|isbn= 0-19-560686-8}}
*{{cite book |last= Kamath|first= Suryanath U.|title= A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present|orig-year=1980|year= 2001|publisher= Jupiter books|location= Bangalore|oclc= 7796041 |lccn= 80905179}}
*{{cite book |last= Kamath|first= Suryanath U.|title= A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present|orig-year=1980|year= 2001|publisher= Jupiter books|location= Bangalore|oclc= 7796041 |lccn= 80905179}}
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   before= [[Amoghavarsha III]] |
   before= [[Amoghavarsha III]] |
   title= King of the<br>[[Rashtrakuta]] dynasty  |
   title= King of the<br>[[Rashtrakuta]] dynasty  |
   years= 939&ndash;967 |
   years= 939–967 |
   after= [[Khottiga Amoghavarsha]]
   after= [[Khottiga Amoghavarsha]]
}}
}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Krishna 03}}
[[Category:967 deaths]]
[[Category:967 deaths]]
[[Category:Jain monarchs]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:10th-century rulers in Asia]]
[[Category:10th-century Indian monarchs]]
[[Category:Rashtrakuta dynasty]]
[[Category:Rashtrakuta emperors]]
[[Category:Indian Jains]]
[[Category:Jainism in Karnataka]]

Latest revision as of 11:12, 20 February 2026

Krishna III
Maharajadhiraja
Vallabhanarendra
Paramabhattaraka
Akalavarsha
Shri-prithvi-vallabha[1]
12th Rashtrakuta Emperor
ReignDecember 939 – December 967[2]
PredecessorAmoghavarsha III
SuccessorKhottiga
BornKannaradeva
SpouseUnnamed princess of Chedi
IssueUnnamed son
Bijjabbe
DynastyRashtrakuta
FatherAmoghavarsha III
ReligionJainism[3][4]
Rashtrakuta Emperors (753-982)
Dantidurga (735 - 756)
Krishna I (756 - 774)
Govinda II (774 - 780)
Dhruva Dharavarsha (780 - 793)
Govinda III (793 - 814)
Amoghavarsha (814 - 878)
Krishna II (878 - 914)
Indra III (914 -929)
Amoghavarsha II (929 - 930)
Govinda IV (930 – 936)
Amoghavarsha III (936 – 939)
Krishna III (939 – 967)
Khottiga (967 – 972)
Karka II (972 – 973)
Indra IV (973 – 982)
Tailapa II
(Western Chalukyas) 		(973-997)
Old Kannada inscription dated c. 944–45 of Rashtrakuta Emperor Krishna III

Krishna III (r. 939 – 967), was the last great warrior and able Rashtrakuta Emperor. He was a shrewd administrator and skillful military campaigner. He waged many wars to restore the glory of the Rashtrakutas and played an important role in rebuilding the Rashtrakuta empire. He patronised the famous Kannada poets Ponna, who wrote "Shantinatha Purana" and Gajankusha, who wrote on erotics, and the Apabhramsha poet Pushpadanta who wrote "Mahapurana" and other works.[5][6][7] His queen was a Chedi princess and his daughter Bijjabbe was married to a Western Ganga prince. During his rule he held titles such as Akalavarsha, Maharajadhiraja, Parameshvara, Paramamaheshvara, Shri Prithvivallabha etc.[8] At his peak, he reigned over a vast empire stretching from at least the Narmada river in the north to at least the Kaveri river delta in the south. A copper grant of 993 issued by the Shilahara king of Thana states that the Rashtrakuta control extended from the Himalayas in the north to Ceylon in the south and from the eastern sea to the western seas. This grant also states that when the emperor Krishna III mobilised his armies, the kings of Chola, Bengal, Kannauj, Andhra and Pandya regions used to quiver.[9]

Southern conquests[edit | edit source]

He slew the Western Ganga ruler Rachamalla II and made his brother-in-law Butuga II the king of the Gangavadi territory. He fought the Gurjara Prathihara and captured Chitrakuta and Kalinjara regions. He defeated his family relations, the Kalachuris of Tripuri (Chedi) when they had turned against the Rashtrakutas.[10] Later he invaded the southern Deccan and recaptured Kolar and Dharmapuri from the Banas and Vaidumbas who had given shelter to Govinda IV due to his matrimonial relations with the Cholas. Though he initially may have experienced setbacks, Tondaimandalam was secured by 944. He defeated the Cholas and captured Kanchi and Tanjore, according to the Siddalingamadam plates of 944.[11]

In c. 949, he defeated the Cholas decisively in a Battle of Takkolam in present-day North Arcot district.[12] Krishna III was joined by his Western Ganga feudatory Butuga II in this campaign. Chola prince Rajaditya Chola was killed "while seated on his elephant with a well-aimed arrow". From the famous Atakur inscription it is known that Krishna III gave Buthuga II extensive Ratta territories near Banavasi in return for this victory.[8][13][14][15] With the fall of the Cholas, he extracted tribute from the Pandyas and the Chera ruler of Kerala.[16] He also obtained the submission of the King of Ceylon, extracted tributes from the Manadlika rulers, and erected a pillar of victory at Ramesvaram.[12][17] This victory is narrated in Somadeva's writing Yashatilaka Champu of 959 as well.[18]

However, from location of the inscriptions it is argued that Krishna III had full control only of Tondaimandalam (northern Tamil Nadu) as his inscriptions are not found further south in modern Tamil Nadu.[19] After these victories he proclaimed himself "Conqueror of Kacci and Tanjai" (Kanchi and Tanjore).[20] He exerted influence on Vengi (modern Andhra Pradesh) by helping Badapa secure the throne against his competitor Amma II. Later, Danarnava of Vengi became his feudatory.

Northern conquests[edit | edit source]

While Krishna III focussed on southern Deccan, the Chandelas had captured Chitrakuta and Kalinjar. This prompted Krishna III to send his Western Ganga vassal Marasimha II, son of Butuga II, to retrieve the lost areas. Marasimha defeated the Gurjara Prathiharas. The northernmost Kannada inscription of the Rashtrakutas, dated about 964 is the Jura record (near Jabalpur) in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The details of these victories are inscribed in this inscription.[11] Two inscriptions of Marasimha, dated 965 and 968, state that his forces destroyed Ujjayani (which lies in the Paramara territory of Malwa). Based on this, some historians such as A. S. Altekar conclude that the Paramara king Siyaka must have rebelled against the Rashtrakuta suzerainty, resulting in a military campaign against him. Thus, Marasimha must have also defeated the Paramaras. However, K. N. Sethi believes that Krishna III only targeted the Gurjara-Pratiharas: there is no evidence to show that Siyaka rebelled against Krishna III or faced a battle against his forces.[21]

At his peak, Krishna III ruled an empire that extended at least from the Narmada river in the north and stretched south covering large parts of present-day northern Tamil Nadu in the south. The Prathihara, the Paramara, the Seuna (ruled by Vaddiga) and the northern Kalachuris were his feudatories in the northern Deccan and central India.[22]

This enmity with the northern Kalachuris of Tripuri proved fatal to the empire towards the end of his rule. Krishna III was also perhaps reckless in giving large fiefs (land grants) to his commanders. He gave the province of Tardavadi (present day Vijayapura district) sometime before 965 to Tailapa II his Chalukya feudatory right in the heart of his empire. This later turned out to be to the Rashtrakutas' undoing.

Religion[edit | edit source]

Krishna III is described as Jain by faith according to historian P.B. Desai. Their inscriptions begin by specifying the temple or religious institution to which the grant or donation is being made, rather than invoking a single deity.[23][24][25] Krishna III continued the Rashtrakuta dynasty’s longstanding and well-documented tradition of strong Jain patronage. Under the patronage of Krishna III, Kannada Jain Poet Ponna composed works such as "Shantinatha Purana", "Jinaksharamale", and "Bhuvanaika-Ramabhyudaya". Known for his Jain texts and command over both Kannada and Sanskrit,[26] Ponna was honoured by Krishna III with the title "Ubhaya-Kavi-Chakravarti" (Emperor among poets)[27] in recognition of his rich poetic imagery and mastery of literary style.[28] And Numerous inscriptions and land grants from Rashtrakuta rulers show sustained support for Jain monks, temples, and scholars across the Deccan, a policy begun by earlier kings like Amoghavarsha I. Krishna III maintained this inclusive approach, encouraging Jain religious institutions within his empire.[29][30]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Fleet, John Faithfull (ed.). Epigraphia Indica, Vol. 3. Calcutta: Government of India, 1894. pp. 270–273. Titles of Krishna III are recorded in multiple inscriptions, including the Savalagi and Ron inscriptions.
  2. ↑ "The Rāshțrakuțās and Their Times" (PDF). p. 122, 126. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
  3. ↑ Altekar, A.S. (1934). The Rashtrakutas and Their Times. Poona: Oriental Book Agency.
  4. ↑ Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha.
  5. ↑ Kamath (2001), p84, p90
  6. ↑ Sastri (1955), p356
  7. ↑ Reu (1933), p86
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Reu (1933), p82
  9. ↑ Reu (1933), p43
  10. ↑ Kamath (2001), p82
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Kamath (2001), p83
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 From the Karhad record of 949 (Kamath 2001, p83)
  13. ↑ From the Atakur inscription (Kamath 2001, p83)
  14. ↑ Sarma (1992), p20, p28, p133
  15. ↑ Adiga (2006), p120, p307
  16. ↑ Narayanan, M. G. S. Perumāḷs of Kerala: Brahmin Oligarchy and Ritual Monarchy: Political and Social Conditions of Kerala Under the Cēra Perumāḷs of Makōtai (c. AD 800 – AD 1124). Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 100–101.
  17. ↑ From the Sholapur copper plate inscriptions of 958 (Reu 1933, p84, p85)
  18. ↑ Krishna III is described as the conqueror of Chola, Chera, Pandya and Simhala (Ceylon) (Reu 1933, p86)
  19. ↑ Sathianath Ayer in Kamath 2001, p83
  20. ↑ from the Tirukkalukkunram and Lakshmeshvara inscriptions (Reu 1933, p83, p85)
  21. ↑ Seth 1978, pp. 80–81.
  22. ↑ However the Deoli inscriptions state that the Rashtrakuta control extended from the Himalayas in the north to Ceylon in the south and from the eastern sea to the western sea (Reu 1933, p83, p84)
  23. ↑ Kamath (2001), p.91
  24. ↑ Chopra et al. (1993), p.91
  25. ↑ Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha.
  26. ↑ Narasimhacharya, R. (1988). History of Kannada Literature. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. pp. 20–22.
  27. ↑ Narasimhacharya, R. (1988). pp. 20–22.
  28. ↑ Narasimhacharya, R. (1988). pp. 20–22.
  29. ↑ Altekar, A.S. (1934). The Rashtrakutas and Their Times. Poona: Oriental Book Agency.
  30. ↑ Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha.

References[edit | edit source]

  • Chopra, P.N.; Ravindran, T.K.; Subrahmanian, N (2003) [2003]. History of South India (Ancient, Medieval and Modern) Part 1. New Delhi: Chand Publications. ISBN 81-219-0153-7.
  • 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 80905179. OCLC 7796041.
  • Narasimhacharya, R (1988) [1988]. History of Kannada Literature. New Delhi, Madras: Asian Educational Services. ISBN 81-206-0303-6.
  • Reu, Pandit Bisheshwar Nath (1997) [1933]. History of The Rashtrakutas (Rathodas). Jaipur: Publication scheme. ISBN 81-86782-12-5.
  • Adiga, Malini (2006) [2006]. The Making of Southern Karnataka: Society, Polity and Culture in the early medieval period, AD 400–1030. Chennai: Orient Longman. ISBN 81-250-2912-5.
  • Sarma, I.K. (1992) [1992]. Temples of the Gangas of Karnataka. New Delhi: Archaeological Survey of India. ISBN 0-19-560686-8.
  • Seth, Krishna Narain (1978). The Growth of the Paramara Power in Malwa. Progress.

External links[edit | edit source]

Preceded by
Amoghavarsha III 		King of the
Rashtrakuta dynasty
939–967 		Succeeded by
Khottiga Amoghavarsha
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