Who among the following was a ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

The correct answer is Dhruva.

Let us analyze each option carefully to understand why Dhruva is the correct answer and why the others do not belong to the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Understanding the Rashtrakuta Dynasty:
The Rashtrakuta dynasty was a powerful medieval Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from approximately 753 CE to 982 CE. They were known for their military prowess, patronage of art and literature, and significant political influence across the Deccan region and beyond. Their capital was at Manyakheta (modern-day Malkhed in Karnataka).

Option 1 – Kanishka:
Kanishka was a great emperor of the Kushan dynasty, not the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He ruled around the 2nd century CE and is famous for his patronage of Buddhism and for convening the Fourth Buddhist Council. He has no connection to the Rashtrakutas.

Option 2 – Samudragupta:
Samudragupta was one of the most celebrated emperors of the Gupta dynasty. He is often called the "Napoleon of India" due to his extensive military conquests across the subcontinent. He ruled around 335–375 CE and belongs to an entirely different dynasty and era.

Option 3 – Dhruva (Correct Answer):
Dhruva, also known as Dhruva Dharavarsha, was indeed a ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He ruled from approximately 780 CE to 793 CE and was the son of Krishna I. Dhruva is historically significant for his military campaigns — he successfully defeated the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Palas, which dramatically expanded the Rashtrakuta sphere of influence. He is considered one of the most powerful and ambitious rulers of the dynasty, having established Rashtrakuta dominance over a large portion of northern India.

Option 4 – Ashoka:
Ashoka was a famous emperor of the Maurya dynasty, who ruled around 268–232 BCE. He is renowned for embracing Buddhism after the Kalinga War and for spreading its teachings across Asia through rock edicts and pillar edicts. He has no association with the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Summary Table:

Conclusion:
Among the given options, Dhruva (Dhruva Dharavarsha) is the only ruler who belonged to the Rashtrakuta dynasty. His reign marked an era of significant military expansion and established the Rashtrakutas as a dominant power across the Indian subcontinent during the early medieval period.