Krishna I an uncle of
DantidurgaDantidurga , also known as Dantivarman or Dantidurga II was the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta. His capital was based in Gulbarga region of Karnataka...
, took charge of the growing Rashtrakuta Empire by defeating the last Badami Chalukya ruler
Kirtivarman IIKirtivarman II also known as Rahappa was the last ruler in the Badami Chalukya dynasty. He succeeded his father Vikramaditya II...
in 757. This is known from the copper plate grant of Emperor
Govinda IIIGovinda III was a famous Rashtrakuta ruler who succeeded his illustrious father Dhruva Dharavarsha. He was militarily the most successful emperor of the dynasty with successful conquests from Cape Comorin in the south to Kannauj in the north, from Banaras in the east to Broach in the west...
of 807 and a
copper plateIndian copper plate inscriptions play an important role in the reconstruction of the history of India. Prior to their discovery, historians were forced to rely on ambiguous archaeological findings such as religious text of uncertain origin and interpretations of bits of surviving traditions,...
grant of the
Gujarat Rashtrakuta Emperor Karka from Baroda. He is also known as Kannara or Kannesvara 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. But others disagree as the term "demise of Dantidurga" occur in the Kavi and Navasari copper plates indicating Krishna I mush 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 princes or a son of Dantidurga.
He successfully fought the Western Ganga Dynasty king Sripurusha and acquired some territory in Gangavadi (Southern Karnataka) and the Shilaharas of south
KonkanThe Konkan also called the Konkan Coast or Karavali is a rugged section of the western coastline of India from Raigad to Mangalore...
. He defeated the Eastern Chalukya ruler Vishnuvardhana IV. The Kailasanatha Temple in Ellora was commissioned during his time as described by the Alas inscription of 770. He was responsible for building 18 Shiva temples. 1800 coins of his, discovered recently, have the legend
Parama Maheshvara which indicates his strong Shaiva faith. His eldest son, Govinda II came to power after him.
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