Govinda IV
| Govinda IV | |
|---|---|
| Rashtrakuta Emperor | |
| Reign | c. 930– c. 936 CE |
| Predecessor | Amoghavarsha II |
| Successor | Amoghavarsha III |
| Dynasty | Rāshṭrakūṭa |
| Father | Indra III |
| Rashtrakuta dynasty |
|---|
|
Govinda IV(reignedc.930–936 CE) was the younger brother ofAmoghavarsha II.He became theRashtrakutaemperor in 930 as described in the Kalasa record ofChikmagalur.He was a very unpopular ruler who indulged in licentious acts. Control overKannaujwas lost during his rule. TheChalukyasofVengidefeated him and much territory was lost. Finally, his own vassals including KingArikesariofVemulavadarevolted against him and placedAmoghavarsha IIIon the throne in 935. This is known from the records ofKannadapoetAdikavi Pampa,who was patronised by King Arikesari.[1]Govinda IV had matrimonial relationship with theCholasofKanchi[who?]and finally found refuge with them when his feudatories revolted. Govinda IV patronisedKannadapoet Ravinagabhatta.
Name
[edit]AKannadaform of his name,Gojjiga,is attested in contemporary epigraphy.
Attestations
[edit]At least two inscriptions and two copper plate grants of Govinda IV have been found. The first inscription, found atḌanḍapurin present-dayDharwad district,is dated to 918; the second is dated to 930. The first copper plate grant is dated to 930; and the second, found atSānglī,is dated to 933.[2]
Family
[edit]Govinda was the son ofIndra IIIand the younger brother ofAmoghavarsha II.[3]
Reign
[edit]Based on inscriptions of theEastern ChalukyakingsAmma IandBhima III,it seems that there was a war between the Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas during Govinda's reign. One inscription specifies that Bhima had "repulsed" the armies of Govinda, implying that Govinda was the attacker in this conflict.[4]
The Sānglī copper plate grant of 933 says that Govinda "did not wrong his elder brother, nor was he guilty of incest, nor of cruelty". Reu interprets this as meaning that Govinda was accused of these misdeeds during his lifetime, hence why he felt the need to refute these claims in the plate.[5]
Death
[edit]According to Reu, Govinda IV appears to have had a short reign and died prematurely.[6]
References
[edit]- Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980].A concise history of Karnataka: from pre-historic times to the present.Bangalore: Jupiter books.LCCN80905179.OCLC7796041.
- Reu, Pandit Bisheshwar Nath (1997) [1933].History of The Rashtrakutas (Rathodas).Jaipur: Publication scheme.ISBN81-86782-12-5.