Krishna II (reigned 878–914 CE) succeeded his famous father, Amoghavarsha I Nrupatunga, to the Rashtrakuta throne. Kannara was his Kannada name. His queen was Mahadevi, a Haihaya princess from Chedi. According to the chronology of inscriptions that mention the name of this king, Krishna II may have begun to rule even during his father's lifetime. The fact that Amoghavarsha renounced state affairs in his final years to pursue religious pursuits lends credence to this claim. Krishna II's reign saw significant advances in literature, though his reign was mixed in terms of empire expansion. During his reign, he cultivated a matrimonial alliance with Chedis in order to gain a military advantage. In this article, we will discuss Krishna II (878-914), an important ruler of Rashtrakuta Dynasty which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Krishna II - Background

• Krishnaraja II, Amoghavarsha's son, ascended the throne in 875 while his father was still alive. So far, four inscriptions and two copper grants have been discovered that contain information about his reign.
• The first three inscriptions, dated between C.E. 900 and 903 C.E., were discovered in Bijapur, Ardeshhalli, and Mulgund in Dharwar district, while the fourth was discovered in Aihole near Bijapur in 912 C.E.
• The second copper plate depicts the Rashtrakuta ancestors from Krishnaraja I to Krishnaraja II.
• The king was referred to as Krishnavallabha in some places, confirming that the term Vallabha was a title used by Rashtrakuta kings to indicate status and power.
• Krishnaraja II married Mahadevi, princess of Chedi and daughter of King Kokkala of the Kalachuri, also known as the Haihaya dynasty. She was also Krishnaraja's maternal uncle's daughter.
• This system of marrying the maternal uncle's daughter was common during the Rashtrakuta dynasty and is still practiced in some South Indian communities today.
• The conflict with the Western Chalukyas continued during Krishnaraja's reign, with sporadic increases in the intensity of battles and skirmishes taking place.
• He is also said to have deposed the Rashtrakuta king of the offshoot dynasty in Lata and annexed the region to the main Deccan kingdom.
• The annexation, however, could have been a temporary measure, and the Lata Rashtrakutas continued to rule independently even after this disruption.
• According to legend, his son Jagattunga won many battles on his father's behalf and expanded the kingdom's territorial holdings. There isn't much evidence to back this up, especially since Jagattunga died before his father and didn't succeed him as king.
• The kingdom of Krishnaraja II is said to have reached the Ganges in the north and Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari) in the south.
• This claim may be exaggerated due to the scribe's poetic license in writing the copper plates and inscriptions.

During Krishna II’s Reign

Vengi Affairs

• His reign was marred by misfortune. He was defeated by the Eastern Chalukyas, ruled by King Gunaga Vijayaditya III, whose commander pursued Krishna II to central India.
• Krishna II continued hostilities against Chalukya Bhima I after the death of Vijayaditya III in 892, defeating him and taking him prisoner.
• Bhima I, on the other hand, later freed himself and drove the Rashtrakutas out of Vengi before crowning himself, king.
• A few years later, Krishna II was defeated twice more by the Vengi Chalukyas at Niravadyapura and Peruvanguru.
• However, according to other sources, Krishna II conquered Andhra.

Deccan and Northern Affairs

• Krishna II defeated the Gurjara Bhoja I of the Pratihara dynasty of Gujarat, uniting the Rashtrakuta Lata line (Gujarat) under his direct rule from Manyakheta.
• He vanquished the kingdoms of Banga, Kalinga, and Magadha. His kingdom is said to have stretched from the Ganges River in the north to Cape Comorin in the south.
• He was known by titles such as Akalavarsha and Shubatunga.

Tamil Politics

• His daughter had married Aditya I, the Chola king. The king hoped that by doing so, he would gain influence in the Tamil country.
• Following Aditya I's death, instead of his grandson Kannara ascending the throne, Parantaka became king.
• Krishna II then invaded the Tamil kingdom, aided by his feudatories, the Banas and Vaidumbas rulers, in an attempt to force the issue. He was unable to consolidate his power among the Cholas.
• In 916, the Rashtrakutas were defeated by the Cholas led by Parantaka in the battle of Vallala.

Conclusion

However, there is no doubt that the Rashtrakuta kingdom occupied a dominant position in the subcontinent during these times. From 878 to 914 A.D., Krishna II ruled for 36 years. In addition, he fought two major wars against the Pratiharas and the Eastern Chalukyas. But, in the end, he was surrounded by his adversaries and defeated on all fronts. Indra III, the heir to Krishna II, ascended to the throne in 914 A.D. Of course, he started another war with the Pratiharas and occupied Kanauj. He fought the Vengi, but he was not very successful.

FAQs

Question: Who was Krishna II and what was his significance in the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

Question: What were the major achievements of Krishna II during his reign?

Question: What were Krishna II’s contributions to administration and governance?

Question: How did Krishna II impact the relations with other dynasties during his rule?

Question: What was the cultural and architectural legacy of Krishna II?

MCQs

1. Who succeeded Dhruva II as the ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

A) Krishna II

B) Amoghavarsha

C) Dantidurga

D) Indra III

2. Which of the following dynasties did Krishna II defeat during his reign?

A) Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas

B) Mauryas and Satavahanas

C) Guptas and Kushans

D) Pallavas and Kadambas

3. Which region saw the greatest expansion under Krishna II's rule?

A) The Deccan region

B) Northern India

C) Eastern India

D) Central India

4. What was a major architectural contribution during Krishna II's reign?

A) Construction of the Qutb Minar

B) Patronage of the Ellora Caves

C) Building the Brihadeeswarar Temple

D) Renovation of the Red Fort

5. What was Krishna II's relationship with the Pratihara dynasty?

A) Hostile

B) Neutral

C) Diplomatic and peaceful

D) Conqueror

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the military achievements of Krishna II and their impact on the expansion of the Rashtrakuta Empire.

Answer: Krishna II was a skilled military strategist, and his reign is remembered for the significant territorial expansion of the Rashtrakuta Empire. One of his most notable achievements was his successful campaigns against the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas in southern India, which expanded Rashtrakuta influence in the southern Deccan. Krishna II's victories consolidated the Rashtrakuta dominance over southern India, allowing the empire to control key trade routes and agricultural regions. Additionally, Krishna II maintained a strong military presence in the northern territories and ensured that the Rashtrakuta Empire remained a formidable force in the Deccan during a period of fragmented political landscapes. His military successes played a key role in the long-term stability and prosperity of the Rashtrakuta Empire, helping it to maintain its position as one of the dominant powers in medieval India.

Q2: Discuss the administrative reforms of Krishna II and their impact on the governance of the Rashtrakuta Empire.

Answer: Krishna II's administration was marked by a series of reforms that strengthened the central authority of the Rashtrakuta Empire. One of the most significant contributions was his ability to effectively govern a vast and diverse empire through the reinforcement of centralized administration. Krishna II ensured the effective collection of taxes, the maintenance of law and order, and the protection of trade routes. He also appointed loyal regional governors to oversee provinces, which helped maintain control over far-flung territories. The empire’s military system, under Krishna II’s rule, was organized and efficient, ensuring that the Rashtrakuta Empire remained a dominant force in the Deccan. Furthermore, Krishna II’s efforts in promoting cultural and religious patronage contributed to a stable and thriving society that upheld the Rashtrakuta dynasty’s power and prestige.

Q3: Analyze the cultural and architectural contributions of Krishna II and their significance in the context of the Rashtrakuta Empire.

Answer: Krishna II’s reign is noted for its cultural flourishing, particularly in the fields of architecture, literature, and the arts. One of the most significant contributions during his rule was the patronage of the Ellora Caves, which remain a symbol of the architectural prowess of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. These caves, carved out of solid rock, feature intricate sculptures and temples dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain deities, reflecting the cultural diversity of the empire. The construction of temples and rock-cut structures during Krishna II’s reign helped solidify Rashtrakuta influence in the Deccan and beyond, serving as a testament to the empire's wealth and sophistication.
In addition to architectural achievements, Krishna II supported literature and the arts, encouraging the development of regional languages and promoting the creation of religious texts. His patronage of artists and poets helped create a vibrant cultural environment that contributed to the legacy of the Rashtrakutas. The artistic and cultural developments during Krishna II’s reign were not only a source of imperial pride but also played a role in strengthening the social and religious fabric of the empire.

Previous Year Questions on Krishna II

1. UPSC CSE (IAS) Prelims 2020

Question: Which dynasty did Krishna II belong to, and what were his major achievements?

Answer: Krishna II was a ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. His major achievements include military victories over the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, territorial expansion, and patronage of the arts and architecture, particularly the Ellora Caves.

2. UPSC CSE (IAS) Mains 2019

Question: Discuss the administrative reforms of Krishna II and their impact on the Rashtrakuta Empire.

Answer: Krishna II's administrative reforms, which focused on centralized governance, military efficiency, and tax collection, helped stabilize and expand the Rashtrakuta Empire, consolidating its power across vast and diverse territories.