Indra IV

(ruled 973–982 CE) was the last great king and the last significant ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty of Manyakheta (modern Malkhed in Karnataka, India). He was the grandson of Krishna III^[3] and the nephew of Marasimha II, the Western Ganga Dynasty feudatory king of Talakad.^[4]During his reign, the Rashtrakuta Empire faced severe decline after invasions and betrayal by the Paramaras of Malwa. Marasimha II made considerable efforts to preserve the weakening empire but ultimately failed.^[5] Both Marasimha II and later renounced royal life, became Jain monks,^[6] and performed Sallekhana—the Jain ritual of voluntary fasting to death—at Shravanabelagola on 20 March 982 CE.^[7] With Indra IV’s death, the main line of the Rashtrakuta dynasty came to an end. However, several collateral branches—such as the Lattalura and the Rattas of Saundatti—continued to rule in different parts of India for centuries.^[8]

Indra IV was a devout follower of Jainism.^[9] Like all Rashtrakuta and Western Gangas rulers, he actively supported Jain monastic institutions and traditions.^[10] His decision to renounce royal life and perform Sallekhana, the Jain ritual of voluntary fasting to death, is remembered as a demonstration of deep faith and personal renunciation.^[11] He and his uncle Marasimha II both took Sallekhana vows at Shravanabelagola, one of Jainism’s most important pilgrimage sites.^[12] Indra IV’s life and death are often cited as examples of the strong connections between the Rashtrakuta dynasty and Jainism.^[13]

• Branches of Rashtrakuta Dynasty

• Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980]. A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present. Bangalore: Jupiter books. LCCN 80905179. OCLC 7796041.

^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

• History of Karnataka, Mr. Arthikaje