Krishna III of Rashtrakuta dynasty established a victory pillar and a temple at which of the following cities of south India after defeating the Chola ruler Parantaka I?

The correct answer is Rameswaram.

Let us understand this step by step by exploring the historical context behind this question.

Step 1: Who was Krishna III?
Krishna III (also known as Kannara or Krishnaraja III) was one of the most powerful rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, who reigned from approximately 939 CE to 967 CE. The Rashtrakutas were a major imperial power based in the Deccan region (present-day Karnataka/Maharashtra), and Krishna III was known for his military ambitions and southward expansion.

Step 2: Who was Parantaka I?
Parantaka I was a prominent ruler of the Chola dynasty, reigning from approximately 907 CE to 955 CE. He was known for his military campaigns, including victories against the Pandyas and the Sri Lankan king. However, his reign also witnessed a significant military defeat at the hands of the Rashtrakutas.

Step 3: The Battle of Takkolam (949 CE)
The decisive military confrontation between the Rashtrakutas and the Cholas took place at the Battle of Takkolam (around 949 CE). In this battle, Krishna III's forces — led by his general — decisively defeated the Chola army. Parantaka I's son, Rajaditya, was killed in this battle, which was a major blow to the Chola power. While the battle itself was fought at Takkolam, this does not mean the victory pillar was erected there.

Step 4: The Victory Pillar and Temple at Rameswaram
Following his triumphant southern campaign and the defeat of Parantaka I, Krishna III marched deep into South India — all the way to the southern tip — and reached Rameswaram on the southeastern coast. There, to commemorate his grand military conquest and southward march, he:

• Erected a victory pillar (Vijaya Stambha / Dhavaladwaja) at Rameswaram.
• Constructed a temple at Rameswaram to mark his triumph.

This act was deeply symbolic — Rameswaram held immense religious and strategic significance, being the southernmost major sacred site. By planting a victory pillar there, Krishna III was declaring his supremacy over the entire south, from the Deccan to the ocean's edge.

Step 5: Why not the other options?
• Takkolam — This was the site of the battle itself, not where the victory pillar was erected.
• Udaiyalur — While this is a place associated with some Chola-era historical events, it is not the location of Krishna III's victory pillar.
• Poompuhar — This was an ancient Chola port city (also called Kaveripattinam), not associated with this particular conquest.

Conclusion:
Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, after defeating the Chola ruler Parantaka I, celebrated his victory by erecting a victory pillar and building a temple at Rameswaram — asserting Rashtrakuta dominance over the far south of India. This remains one of the most remarkable southern military expeditions in early medieval Indian history.