PALLAVA DYNASTY - 560 -903 AD
Q1. Who was the first notable ruler of the Pallavas?
SIMHAVISHNU - 560 to 590 AD.
Q2. Who succeeded Simhavishnu?
MAHENDRA VARMAN - 590 to 630 AD - He was the one defeated by Pulakesin II of the Chalukyas and part of Pallava Kingdom was occupied. The battle took place at Manimangala.
Q3. Who succeeded Mahendravarman to become the greatest Pallava ruler?
NARASIMHA VARMAN I - 630 to 668 AD - He was the one who successfully defeated PULAKESIN II and captured the Chalukyan capital Badami. He also defeated the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas and reigned supreme in the South.
Q4. What title was conferred on Narasimha Varman I for capturing BADAMI?
VATAPIKONDA - meaning conqueror of Vatapi (Badami)
Q5. What is the famous stone architectural monuments founded by NarasimhaVarman I?
Mamallapuram near Chennai.
Q6. Which foreign pilgrim visited Kanchi the capital of the Pallavas?
Hiuen Tsang - Chinese during Narasimhavarman I.
Q7. Who succeeded Narasimha Varman I?
Mahendra Varman II - 668 - 670 AD - He had a very short stint as he was killed by Chalukya King Vikramaaditya I (son of Pulakesin II).
Q8. Who succeeded Mahendra Varman II?
Parameswara Varman I - 670 to 700 Ad.
Q9. Who were to follow Parameswaravarman I?
NARASIMHAVARMAN II - 700 to 728 AD - He was another famous Pallava ruler. He was the one to complete the stone temples and monuments at Mamallapuram and Kailasanathar Temple at Kanchi.
PARAMESWARAVARMAN II - 728 to 731 AD - Vikramaaditya II of Chalukyas invaded the Pallavas. He had to conclude a treat and retract.While retracting he was killed by Chalukyas ally Ganga.
NANDIVARMAN II - 731 to 796 AD - He successfully defended the Chalukyan onslaught. He defeated the Gangas (Chalukyan ally), but faced defeat at the hands of the Chalukyans later. The Vaikuntaperumal Templeat Kanchi was built by him.
DANTIVARMAN - 796 -847 AD
NANDIVARMAN III - 847 to 869.
NRIPA TUNGA - 869 to 899.
APARAJITHA - 899 to 903. He was defeated by the Cholas thus the Pallava rule came to an end by the 9th century AD. However, few more Pallava rulers remained insignificant feudatories.
Q10. Nandivarman II of the Pallavas built which temple at Kanchi?
Vaikunta Perumal temple.
Q11. Who was considered as the greatest Pallava ruler because of his military conquests and cultural contributions?
Narasimhavarman I.
Q12. What are the titles held by Mahendravarman?
Chettahakari, Chitrakarapuli and Mattavilasa.
