Battle of Kanchi

Battle of Kanchi
Part of Govinda III's Southern Campaign
Date803-804
Location
Result Rashtrakuta victory
Territorial
changes
Kanchi and Surrounding areas annexed by Rashtrakutas
Belligerents
Pallava dynasty Rashtrakuta Empire
Commanders and leaders
Dantivarman  Govinda III

In 803–804 Govinda III of Rashtrakuta Empire attacked Dantivarman of the Pallava dynasty a battle was fought at Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu in which latter was defeated and sued for peace agreeing to pay tribute.[1][2][3]

Battle

An inscription from Karshnapalle mentions a Banaras who governed the Ganga Six-thousand province during the reign of Rashtrakuta king Govinda III.[4][5] After Nandivarman's death, his son Dantivarman likely became king before 804, probably around 795. He ruled for over 51 years, as indicated by his latest inscription from Tiruch-chanur in Chittoor District. During his reign, he faced conflict with the Rashtrakutas under Govinda III, who became king in 794. Govinda III invaded Pallava territory, captured Kanchi, and defeated Dantivarman who sued for peace also forcing him to pay the tribute. By 804-805, Govinda III retreated to his camp at Ramesvara-tirtha near the Tungabhadra River.[6]

An inscription on a pillar in Hulibidu, Bellary District, from the fourth year, mentions the death of a hero named Sirigoppa, who died while fighting against the army of Danti, which had attacked Chikurambavi village. This Danti is likely identified as Dantivarman, who may have attacked the village, which was under the Rattas, who were subordinates of the Rashtrakutas.[6] This could help explain why Govinda temporarily took control of Kanchi. Another record from Govinda III (806 AD) mentions a land grant made at the request of Bāṇarāja Sriparama for a temple.[5]

References

  1. Altekar, A. s (1934). Rashtrakutas And Their Times.
  2. G Jouveau Dubreuil (1917). The Pallavas. Universal Digital Library. p. 61.
  3. History Pallavas. 1928. p. 135.
  4. Sen, Sailendra Nath (1999). Ancient Indian History and Civilization. New Age International. p. 449. ISBN 978-81-224-1198-0.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Govindasamy, M. s (1965). Role Of Feudatories In Pallava History. pp. 11–10.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Srinivasan, K. r (1964). Cave-temples Of The Pallavas. p. 11.