Dhruva Dharavarsha

Dhruva Dharavarsha
Maharajadhiraja
Parameshvara
Dharavarsha
Nirupama
Srivallabha
Kalivallabha
Dhruva Dharavarsha
Fragment of Old Kannada inscription (780 CE) from Naregal of Rashtrakuta emperor Dhruva Dharavarsha
4th Rashtrakuta Emperor
Reignc. 780 – c. 793 CE (13 years)
PredecessorGovinda II
SuccessorGovinda III
Died793 CE
Manyakheta, Rashtrakuta Empire (modern day Karnataka, India)
SpouseSila Mahadevi of the Eastern Chalukyas
IssueKarka Suvarnavarsha
Kambarasa
Govinda III
Indra, Governor of Lata
FatherKrishna I
ReligionHinduism

Dhruva (r. 780 – 793 CE) was one of the most notable rulers of the Rashtrakuta Empire. He ascended the imperial throne after replacing his elder brother Govinda II. Govinda II had become unpopular among his subjects on account of his various misconducts as a monarch, 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.

  1. ^ Kamath (2001), p75
  2. ^ Reu (1933), p62
  3. ^ Dr. P. B. Desai and K. V. Subrahmanya Aiyar in Kamath (2001), p75