Ishanavarman was the son of the powerful Maukhari ruler Ishvara-varman (Iśvaravarman) and his queen Devi Upagupta.

Ishanavarman's inscriptions describe him as a valiant warrior whose hands were hardened and callused by the repeated use of the bow on the battlefield.

The Haraha inscription of Śarva-varman mentions that Ishanavarman inflicted defeat upon the Andhras, Sulikas, and checked the Gaudas.

His successful campaigns against foes known for their powerful corps - the Andhras for their elephants and the Sulikas for their cavalry - attest to this fact.

[1] The Mahakuta Pillar inscription claims that Chalukya Kirtivarman I defeated the rulers of Vanga, Anga, Kalinga, Vattura, Magadha, Madraka, etc.