Krishna I
| Krishna I | |
|---|---|
| Akalavarsha Shubatunga Prithvivallabha Shrivallabha | |
Fragment of Old Kannada inscription (765 CE) from Hattimattur of Rashtrakuta emperor Krishna I | |
| 2nd Rashtrakuta Emperor | |
| Reign | c. 756 – c. 774 CE |
| Predecessor | Dantidurga |
| Successor | Govinda II |
| Died | c. 774 CE Manyakheta, Rashtrakuta Empire (modern day Karnataka, India) |
| Issue | Govinda II Dhruva Dharavarsha |
| Religion | Jainism[1][2][3][4] Hinduism[5][6] |
| Rashtrakuta dynasty |
|---|
|
Krishna I (Kannada: ಅಕಾಲವರ್ಷ ಶುಭತುಂಗ ಕೃಷ್ಣ) (r. 756 – 774 CE), an uncle of, took charge of the growing Rashtrakuta Empire by defeating the last Badami Chalukya emperor Kirtivarman II in 757. This is known from the copper plate grant of Emperor Govinda III of 807 and a copper plate grant of the Gujarat Rashtrakuta ruler Karka from Baroda.[7] He is also known as Kanhardeva or Kanhesvara and took the titles Akalavarsha, Shubatunga, Prithvivallabha and Shrivallabha.He patronised the famous Jain logician Akalanka Bhatta, the author of Rajavartika.
Some historians are of the opinion that Krishna I usurped the throne from his nephew Dantidurga.[8] But others disagree as the term "demise of Dantidurga" occur in the Kavi and Navasari copper plates indicating Krishna I must have ascended the throne after the death of Dantidurga. However, from the Baroda inscription it seems that Krishna I may have had to subdue another claimant to the throne, perhaps a Rashtrakuta prince or a son of Dantidurga.[9]
He successfully fought the Western Ganga Dynasty King Sripurusha (and acquired some territory in Gangavadi, modern Southern Karnataka) and the Shilaharas of South Konkan. He defeated the Eastern Chalukya ruler Vishnuvardhana IV.[10] He commissioned 18 Shiva temples.[5] The Kailasa temple at Ellora is generally attributed to him, based on certain epigraphs.[11]
His eldest son, Govinda II succeeded him.
Religion
Krishna I like other early Rashtrakuta rulers, his reign reflects the dynasty’s broader policy of religious pluralism and support for Jainism.[12][13] He is also remembered in Jain tradition as a patron of the eminent Jain logician and philosopher Akalanka, author of the "'Rajavartika",[14] commentary on the "Tattvartha Sutra".[15][16] Inscriptions and grants from the early Rashtrakuta period further show sustained support for Jain monks, temples, and scholars across the Deccan.[17] He also supported other faiths such as Shaivism and Hinduism, and is best known for commissioning the famous Kailasa temple, Ellora dedicated to Shiva.[18]
References
- ^ Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XVIII (1925–26). Archaeological Survey of India.
- ^ Altekar, A.S. (1934). The Rashtrakutas and Their Times. Poona: Oriental Book Agency. pp. 48–55.
- ^ Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha. pp. 20–25.
- ^ Jaini, Padmanabh S. (1991). Gender and Salvation: Jaina Debates on the Spiritual Liberation of Women. University of California Press. p. 80.
- ^ a b Reu (1933), p78
- ^ Kamath, S. (1980). A Concise History of Karnataka: From Pre-historic Times to the Present. Bangalore: Jupiter books.
- ^ Reu (1933), p57
- ^ Vincent Smith in Reu (1933), p58
- ^ Reu (1933), p58
- ^ Kamath (2001), p74
- ^ Owen 2012, pp. 135–136.
- ^ Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha. pp. 18–22.
- ^ Altekar, A.S. (1934). The Rashtrakutas and Their Times. Poona: Oriental Book Agency. pp. 48–55.
- ^ Jaini, Padmanabh S. (1979). The Jaina Path of Purification. University of California Press. pp. 162–163.
- ^ Jaini, Padmanabh S. (1991). Gender and Salvation: Jaina Debates on the Spiritual Liberation of Women. University of California Press. p. 80.
- ^ Desai, P.B. (1957). Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epigraphs. Sholapur: Jaina Samshodhana Sangha. pp. 18–22.
- ^ Altekar, A.S. (1934). The Rashtrakutas and Their Times. Poona: Oriental Book Agency. pp. 28–35.
- ^ Soundara Rajan, K.V. (1981). Ellora. Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 45–50.
Bibliography
- Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980]. A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present. Bangalore: Jupiter books. LCCN 80905179. OCLC 7796041.
- Reu, Pandit Bisheshwar Nath (1997) [1933]. History of The Rashtrakutas (Rathodas). Jaipur: Publication scheme. ISBN 81-86782-12-5.
- Owen, Lisa (2012). Carving Devotion in the Jain Caves at Ellora. BRILL. ISBN 978-90-04-20629-8.