Ibn Tumart vs Krishna III of Rashtrakuta

Ibn Tumart proclaimed himself the Mahdi, the guided one, after returning from the East. He began preaching a strict reformist message, condemning the Almoravids for their perceived religious laxity and calling for a return to the Quran and Sunnah.

Ibn Tumart founded the Almohad movement (al-Muwahhidun) in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. He organized his followers into a disciplined religious and military community, rejecting the Almoravid interpretation of Islam and advocating for tawhid (strict monotheism).

Ibn Tumart compiled his teachings into a book titled 'A'azz ma Yutlab' (The Most Precious of What is Sought). This work outlined the Almohad doctrine, emphasizing the unity of God and rejecting anthropomorphism, and became the foundation of the movement's ideology.

Ibn Tumart's Almohad forces were defeated by the Almoravids at the Battle of al-Buhayra near Marrakech. This setback prevented the Almohads from capturing the Almoravid capital and forced them to retreat to the mountains.

Ibn Tumart died shortly after the Battle of al-Buhayra, possibly from wounds or illness. His death was kept secret by his successor Abd al-Mu'min, who continued the Almohad movement and eventually overthrew the Almoravids.

Krishna III led a successful invasion of the Chola kingdom, capturing the capital Thanjavur. He defeated the Chola king Parantaka I, temporarily ending Chola dominance in the south and extending Rashtrakuta influence into Tamil country.

Krishna III's forces defeated the Chola army at Takkolam (present-day Tamil Nadu). The battle resulted in the death of the Chola crown prince Rajaditya and marked a decisive Rashtrakuta victory in the conflict.

Krishna III commissioned a Kannada-language inscription at the Arunachaleswara Temple in Tiruvannamalai, recording his military victories and donations. This inscription is a key source for Rashtrakuta history in the Tamil region.

Krishna III's later reign saw the Paramara king Siyaka II raid the Rashtrakuta capital Manyakheta. This defeat weakened Rashtrakuta authority and marked the beginning of the dynasty's decline after Krishna III's death.