Lakshmikarna (IAST: Lakśmi-Karṇa, r. c. 1041-1073 CE), also known as Karna, was a ruler of the Kalachuri dynasty of Tripuri in central India. His kingdom was centered around the Chedi or Dahala region in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The most famous king of his dynasty, Lakshmikarna raided territories of several neighbouring kingdoms, including those of the Chandras, the Cholas, the Kalyani Chalukyas, the Chaulukyas, the Chandelas, and the Palas. After several military successes, he assumed the title of Chakravartin in 1052-1053 CE. Around 1055 CE, he played an important role in the downfall of the Paramara king Bhoja, and captured a part of the Paramara kingdom of Malwa after Bhoja's death. By the end of his reign, however, he suffered several setbacks and lost control of Malwa to Bhoja's brother Udayaditya. Military career Lakshmikarna succeeded his father Gangeyadeva on the throne of Tripuri in 1041 CE. Early raids The 1048-49 Rewa stone inscription describes Lakshmikarna's military successes in the eastern regions of Vanga (modern Bengal) and Anga. In Vanga, Karna defeated a Chandra king, possibly Govindachandra. He appointed Vajradaman as the governor of the captured territory. Vajradaman's son Jatavarman married Lakshmikarna's daughter Virashri, and later aided him in his Anga campaign. The Rewa inscription also claims that Lakshmikarna attacked Kanchi in the south. This suggests that he fought with the Chola king Rajadhiraja. In the inscription, Lakshmikarna claims to have seized the fortune of the king of Kuntala, who is identified with the Kalyani Chalukya king Someshvara I. However, the Chalukya court poet Bilhana claims that Someshvara destroyed the power of Lakshmikarna. This suggests that the war between the two kings was indecisive. The Rewa inscription further states that Lakshmikarna invaded the Gurjara country, where he turned the local women into widows. An Apabhramsha verse cited in Prakrita-paingala also suggests that Lakshmikarna defeated a Gurjara king. This king can be identified with the Chaulukya king Bhima I. It appears that peace was established between the two kingdoms, as Bhima later participated in one of Lakshmikarna's campaigns. Chakravartin In 1052-1053 CE (804 KE), Lakshmikarna crowned himself chakravartin (universal ruler). This is attested by the Rewa inscription of his general Vappulla; this inscription is dated to Lakshmikarna's second regnal year as a chakravartin. Lakshmikarna also bore the common imperial titles Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, and Parameshvara. He inherited the title Trikalingadhipati from his father. In addition, he also assumed the title Rajatrayadhipati (Lord of three