The Rashtrakutas and their Times c9.s2.4

c9.s2.4

At the time of his accession in c. 780 A.D. Dhruva was a mature man of about 50; for, when the Dhulia plates were issued in 779 A.D., his son was a grown-up man invested with the *Pañchamahās'abdas*, and taking an active part in the administration. Dhruva's age, however, had not quenched his military ambition as his *biruda* 'Kalivallabha', 'one who loves strife or war,' will show. After his accession Dhruva must have spent some time in consolidating his position by compelling the refractory feudatories, who were about to overthrow his brother's yoke,¹⁵ to recognise his sovereignty. Then he proceeded to punish those of his neighbours who had sided with his brother in the war of succession. We have seen already how the rulers of Talwad, Kanchi, Vengi, and Malva had championed the cause of his brother. It is precisely against these kings that we find the armies of Dhruva operating during the greater part of his reign.