# Govinda III's Southern Campaign

Govinda III, a prominent ruler of the Rashtrakuta Empire, undertook two important military campaigns in the southern regions. During the first campaign, spanning from 798 to 804 CE, he defeated Shivamara II, also known as Muttarasa, of the Western Ganga dynasty, as well as Dantivarman of the Pallava dynasty. As a result, the Rashtrakutas gained control over Gangawadi and the Kanchipuram district. Shivamara II was captured and taken prisoner, while Dantivarman surrendered to Rashtrakuta forces.
The Second Southern Campaign, led by Govinda III during the monsoon of 808 CE, was a decisive military expedition undertaken by the Rashtrakuta Empire. This campaign aimed to suppress an alliance formed by the Dravidian kings against the Rashtrakutas. Govinda III successfully defeated the allied forces, compelling them to surrender and pay tribute. Following their defeat, the territories of the Dravidian kings were either annexed or turned into tributary states under Rashtrakuta dominance.

## Background
### Govinda III

Govinda III was one of the most prominent rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, succeeding his distinguished father, Dhruva Dharavarsha. He is regarded as the most successful military monarch of the dynasty, having achieved important conquests that extended from Kanyakumari in the south to Kanyakubja in the north, and from Banaras in the east to Bharuch in the west. According to the Someshvara inscription of 804 CE, his chief queen was 'Gamundabbe'.He is considered one of the most skilled emperors of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, recognized for his military leadership, statesmanship, and martial accomplishments. His reign marked the peak of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

### War of Succession

Govinda III became emperor in 793 CE, but his accession was marked by internal family conflict. Initially, his elder brother Stambha remained silent, but eventually, he revolted when he secured support from several feudatories and neighboring rulers. Govinda, however, successfully suppressed the rebellion, which involved twelve kings led by Stambha, and captured his brother. Despite this, Govinda showed clemency, believing in Stambha's future loyalty. He reinstated Stambha to the Ganga viceroyalty, and from then on, Stambha remained loyal, bringing an end to the succession conflict.

## First Southern Campaign
### War with Pallavas and Western Gangas

Stambha governed Gangawadi during his father's lifetime, suggesting that the primary focus of the campaign against him was in southern Karnataka. Following Stambha's defeat, Govinda led an expedition against the Ganga ruler Muttarasa, who had been imprisoned by the Rashtrakutas. It is possible that Muttarasa had allied with Stambha, hoping to reclaim his kingdom once Stambha became emperor. However, Govinda swiftly defeated Muttarasa, and by 798 AD, the Ganga kingdom was incorporated into the Rashtrakuta Empire. Stambha was reappointed as the viceroy of Ganga and held the position until at least 802 AD. After his tenure, Chakiraja succeeded him by 814 AD. During this period, Charuponnera of Nolambawadi acknowledged the suzerainty of Govinda.
An inscription from Karshnapalle references a ruler named Banaras, who governed the Ganga Six-thousand province during the reign of Rashtrakuta king Govinda III. Following the death of Nandivarman, his son Dantivarman is believed to have ascended the throne around 795, ruling for more than 51 years. During his reign, Dantivarman clashed with Govinda III, who ascended to the throne in 794. Govinda III launched an invasion into Pallava territory, captured Kanchi, and defeated Dantivarman, forcing him to pay tribute. By 804-805, Govinda III retreated to his camp near the Tungabhadra River.
An inscription from Halebidu mentions a hero named Sirigoppa, who died in battle against Dantivarman's forces at Chikurambavi. This indicates that Dantivarman may have attacked the village, which was under the control of the Rattas, allies of the Rashtrakutas. This event could provide context for Govinda III's temporary occupation of Kanchi.

## Second Southern Campaign

Govinda launched a military campaign in southern India to confront a coalition of Dravidian kings, which included rulers from Gangawadi, Chera, Pandya, Chola, and Pallava. He emerged victorious, defeating the coalition forces and inflicting heavy losses on the Ganga army. Kanchi was recaptured during the campaign, and the Chola and Pandya kingdoms were brought under his control.The king of Ceylon, concerned about the potential fate of his kingdom, sent statues of himself and his minister to Govinda as a gesture of submission. Govinda had these statues sent to Malkhed, where they were installed in front of a Shiva temple as symbols of victory.
The southern campaign commenced after the monsoon season in 808 CE and likely continued until 810 or 811 CE. Towards the end of his reign, Govinda, advanced in age and nearing the end of his life, prioritised securing the succession of his son, Amoghavarsha, who was born in 808 CE.
   Pandya-dēś-ādhipān matsyam vrishabham Pallavēśvarāt
   (Chô)lād vyāghram gajam Gangach chapa-yashțim cha Keralat Amdhra-Chalukya-Mauryēbhyo vārāham Gürya(rja)rēśvarāt
   t(pha)lakam (prā)tipad-dhāryam vrishabham Pallavēśvarāt