During the 5th century, the Pallavas firmly footed in Kanchi and started expanding the territory. At the end of 500 AD, the territory came into the possession of Simha Vishnu, and he became the founder of the Pallava dynasty. He fought several wars and the empire enjoyed prosperity. After his death, his son Mahendravarman succeded. He was a learned man, he started the work of cave temple at Mahabalipuram. Chalukya Pulkesi-II learnt about the riches of Kanchi and attacked the kingdom to defeat Mahendravarma. Mahendravarman died a broken man with the insult. His son Narasimhavarman was a man of tact and intelligence. Now came the worst part. Pulekisin II , the great chalukya ruler learnt about the riches of Kanchi and wanted to capture it. He came with a huge army and defeated Mahendravarman at Pullalur in 620 A.D. It was a great insult to the pallavas and Mahendravarman in particular. This ruined his health . His further attempts to take revenge in a series of battles with Pulikesin in the northern part of Tamilnadu were futile. All went in vain and he died a broken man in 630 A.D.

Narasimhavarman ascended the throne in 630 A.D, and vowed to revenge the insult done to his father by the Chalukyas. With immense strength and tact he defeated Pulikesi II in the Battle of Manimangalam and Pariyalam in the year 632 AD. He completely burnt the capital city of Pulakesi. A man with well built physique was a great wrestler too. He had a title "Mamalla" to his credit, and perhaps this could be the rason why Mahabalipuram is called Mamallapuram ?? Badami remained in his control until 655 AD till Vinayaditya restored it back to the Chalukya realm.

Pallvas issued copper coins at Badami which has broad flan and depicted the royal emblem "Bull to right" on the obverse and "Lotus" symbol on the reverse.

 

Ruler        :  Narasimhavarman I Pallava Year         : 630 - 668 AD Unit          : Copper, 28mm, 4.65gm, Deccan province Obverse   : Humped Bull standing right, above crescent, Srivatsam, conch all above creeping serpent Reverse    : Lotus Reference : MCSI1, #262

LAST UPDATED 1st Nov 2001
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