Indian History

Clay utensils of Harappan Civilization

A contemporary of north Indian ruler Harshavardhan in the seventh century AD, Mahendravarman was one of the prominent kings of Pallava dynasty which had been ruling the region south of Krishna-Tungabhadra in South India since fourth century AD.  Mahendravarman was an individual of versatile genius:  an author, an architect, a painter, a musician and a soldier.  Mahendravarman is known for introducing the cave style of temple architecture for which Pallavas are known all over the world. Mahendravarman was the son of Simhavishnu who ascended the throne in the latter half of the sixth century AD; or   to be more precise, 575 AD. From Simhavishnu’s time the history of Pallavas emerges from legend and dubious tradition and becomes more definite. Mahendravarman’s accession to the throne signaled the growing strength of the Pallavas. It was the reign of Mahendravarman which saw the beginning of that famous struggle between the Pallavas and their sworn enemies, the Chalukyas of Vatap